Arleen Buell

Arleen Buell chose to live a wholehearted life, rooted in faith and rich in family and friends. Arleen met each day with gratitude and every person with a warm, welcoming smile. Though tiny and friendly, she was known for her unwavering conviction, saying what she meant and standing behind her words. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Arleen’s steadfast presence and ready smile will be missed by those she loved so dearly.

The 1920s marked a time of optimism and change. Across America, the "Roaring Twenties" brought economic prosperity, new technologies, and modern conveniences that transformed everyday life for many families. Yet beneath the celebration, few could foresee that within just a few years the Great Depression would forever alter the course of countless lives. Before those difficult days arrived, Harold and Margery (Kennedy) Brooks welcomed their daughter, Arleen, on March 21, 1927, in Lawton, Michigan, beginning a life that would be defined not by prosperity, but by resilience, faith, and an enduring gratitude for life's simplest blessings.

Sadly, Arleen’s mother died when Arleen was just four years old, and she and her two sisters, Helen and Marjorie, were split up between different homes. Arleen went to live with her aunt and uncle, who raised her as their own alongside their son, Max, who became as close as a brother. The family struggled financially during the Depression. As a result, a simple bag of oranges was enough to bring sunshine to her day.

During her years at Lawton High School, Arleen played basketball. She also went to school with Charlie Maxwell, who played for the Detroit Tigers, and fondly remembered attending Detroit games to watch him play. After graduating with the class of 1944, Arleen fell in love with customer service. For 34 years, she lovingly and proudly served her customers at JC Penney. She became well known for her signature smile and warm-hearted friendliness among coworkers and customers.

When her next-door neighbor, Allen Buell, was inducted into the Army during World War II, Arleen became his trusted pen pal, sharing his experiences as an ambulance driver transporting the wounded to the safety of the field hospitals where he was stationed in Italy and Northern Africa. By the time he returned home in November of 1945, he and Arleen had formed a special bond. The couple began dating, and as their love grew, they set their hearts on sharing the future. On June 22, 1946, Arleen and Allen married in the yard of Arleen’s minister in Buchanan, Michigan, officially beginning their 62-year adventure. The newlyweds started family life at Lake Brownwood in Paw Paw, later moving to Kalamazoo. While Arleen could find humor in anything, Allen didn’t always find the same things funny, but he was very good at providing Arleen with peace and comfort.

In 1949, Arleen and Allen were delighted to become parents when their son John was born. In 1955, their family was complete when they welcomed their daughter, Gina. Arleen and the children enjoyed baking cookies together, often giving many to friends and neighbors.

Twice a year, the family enjoyed taking vacations. Though Arleen loved their destinations, she did not like the journeys to get there. Over the years, they explored Disney World, almost every state park, and camped in Yellowstone, where they hiked to the waterfalls and marveled at Old Faithful. They also traveled through Pennsylvania, Branson, Missouri, Pigeon Forge and Mammoth Cave, the Wisconsin Dells, and Mackinac Island. Later in life, when her son-in-law took on most of the driving and wanted to continue, Arleen would enthusiastically point out hotels to stop at.

Arleen relished life’s simple pleasures, like sharing holidays with loved ones, reading, and watching her beloved Detroit Tigers of whom she knew all the players’ names. She’d get up early to start cooking big dinners during the holidays and always ate dessert before her meals because it was the best part. When Max became a research scientist and traveled the world, Arleen looked forward to his coming home and sharing his experiences. She also rekindled relationships with her sisters. She loved to read biographies and magazines, and she kept her favorite Bible verses on her refrigerator, along with pictures of her family. A member of Lighthouse Community Church, faith was a tremendous part of Arleen’s life, reminding her that God is always there, especially during tough times.

Without a doubt, Arleen’s greatest joy was her family. She loved having her grandchildren around, showering them with hugs, sincere interest, and unwavering support. Arleen never lost her smile even in her final days, when touching her hand would make her smile.

As we celebrated Arleen’s long life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of enduring faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we lead with our hearts, meet the day with gratitude and grace, confidently face life’s challenges, welcome others with a warm smile, cheer on our loved ones’ hopes and dreams, travel with our beloved, and eat dessert first, we keep Arleen’s memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired us.

Arleen Buell of Kalamazoo, age 99, died on July 2, 2026. Arleen was born March 21, 1927, in Lawton to Harold and Margery (Kennedy) Brooks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen; her sisters, Helen Harney and Marjorie Douglas; and her “brother,” Max Coon. Surviving are her children: John (Kathy) Buell and Gina (Owen) Buell-Keeler; 2 granddaughters: Tara (Matt) Muha and Nicole (Jeff) Paauwe; 2 step-granddaughters: Charity (Bryan) VanderWeele and Jackie Keeler; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Carol Buell; and nieces and nephews.

Please join us for Visitation on Wednesday, July 8, from 10 AM – 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will begin at 11 AM, and a reception will follow in the Life Story Center, where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Private burial at Almena Cemetery. Celebrate Arleen’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators or Park Village Pines Activities Fund.