Arlene was born on December 9, 1949 and grew up with her three brothers in Salina. Arlene lived in Valley Center for 36 years with her husband, Tom, and their three children. Arlene graduated from both the Legal Secretary School and several classes at Butler Community College with honors. Arlene worked as a secretary and receptionist for the Special Education Group for 25 years.
Arlene loved to help others. Arlene donated to numerous charities, with those that focused on pets and families closest to her heart. She was a consoler, an encourager, and offered any help she could to make lives better others. Arlene was a lifelong friend to many and made a difference in this world.
Arlene also had a passion for gardening and travel. In the Spring, she loved venturing to the nurseries in search of the most beautiful annuals to fill in landscaping and containers. Arlene and Tom were well-known for their lush backyard, which was full of wildflowers, song birds, a large pond with soothing waterfalls, and a few ornery squirrels. The sunroom, which overlooks the backyard, was Arlene’s favorite place in the house. She enjoyed having her morning coffee while completing the daily crossword and word jumble there. Arlene was also an enthusiastic traveler, having traveled to 34 US states, Mexico, and Canada. Some of her favorite travels included an Alaskan cruise, Hawaii, Niagara Falls, the Colorado Rockies, southern California, Vancouver BC, and all the outlet malls along the way.
Arlene feared two things: heights and chickens. She managed to overcome her fear of heights many times while on family vacation due to the begging of her family to engage in a wild adventure, such as the aerial gondola over the Royal Gorge, exploring the Cave of the Winds, and the observation deck on the Space Needle. She never quite overcame her fear of chickens.
Arlene adored her family and friends. Arlene loved to laugh. She had a dry, pointed sense of humor and loved a good practical joke. Arlene loved to reminisce with friends about the shenanigans they got into when they were younger as well as took advantage of pulling a prank on her family. She was a dedicated and doting grandmother. She loved being silly with her grandchildren and had several nicknames for them. She cherished her time with them.
Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Irene (Sauer) Leiker and CF Leiker, and her brother Howard Leiker. She is survived by her loving husband, Tom Cornwell; children, Kathryn Cornwell (John Christensen) of Portland OR, Michael Cornwell of Wichita KS, and Travis Leiker of Wichita KS. Brothers, Rick Leiker, Smolan KS and Charles Leiker, Valley Center KS. She also leaves behind two grandchildren: Max Maddox and Logan Christensen, and a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.
She would say to all her relatives and friends: We had a great time together. Enjoy the memories, not my passing, for I am not gone if still remembered.
Visitation with family present will be at Resthaven from 4:00-6:00 pm, Thursday July 22, at Resthaven Mortuary. Rosary will follow at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Friday, July 23, at St. Judes Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, there is a memorial fund at St Judes Hospital. Link: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Arlene_A_Cornwell
By phone or mail Arlene A Cornwell Memorial ID#22515679
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