Arlene Ruth (Schmidt) Klassen

Arlene Ruth Klassen

Hesston - Arlene Ruth Klassen, 85, of Hesston, Kansas, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Schowalter Villa surrounded by family.

Arlene was born in Goessel, Kansas on November 14, 1935 to Simon W. and Linda (Boese) Schmidt. She graduated from Goessel High School in 1954 and she took Early Childhood classes at Bethel College and K State. Arlene married Dwane Klassen, the love of her life, on March 4, 1957.

Arlene enjoyed making her house a home, baking for her family and friends, hosting dinner parties, and telling stories. She also enjoyed singing, photography, doting on her grandchildren, and traveling with family. Arlene worked as a Mental Health worker at Prairie View in Newton Kansas for twenty years. She was a member of Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, 4H, the Forest Service Wives Club, and president of the Colonial Oaks Garden Club.

Arlene devoted her life to serving the Lord and spreading His love and Good News by volunteering in many different capacities. After marrying Dwane, they volunteered with the Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Junior Village in Washington DC, and in Huron, California they ministered to the migrant workers. Additionally, she taught Sunday School, helped with Vacation Bible School, assisted with the Billy Graham Crusades, and facilitated Bible studies.

Arlene is survived by her three daughters Elizabeth Hodgson of Dacula, Georgia, Katherine Garber (Gyles) of Newton, Kansas, and Gretchen Brooks (Tony) of Arvada, Colorado; her grandchildren Brittany Atkins (Cody), Brooke Llena (Ben), Brian Hodgson (Lesly), Matthew Garber (Callie), Nathan Garber, Caleb Garber, Isabelle Brooks, and Justin Brooks; and her great grandchildren Parker, Jaxson, and Klaire Atkins, and Tyler Hodgson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwane Klassen; parents, Simon and Linda Schmidt; and sister-in-law, Agnes Schmidt.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 16, 2021 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston, Kansas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, Goessel, Kansas. Graveside service to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Navigators, a Christian discipleship organization, or the Sjogrens Foundation in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, Kansas 67062.