Arlene Nilles, 89 1/2 years old, passed away on October 21st, 2023, in her home in Hudson, Florida, formerly from Sigourney, Iowa.
Born to Armand and RosaElla Phillips, Arlene grew up in What Cheer, Iowa, and graduated from high school in 1951. In school, she played basketball, was a straight-A student, excelled in math, and was the Homecoming Queen.
She married Neil Nilles, and to this union two children were born, Monte and Shelley. They later divorced. She then met her companion of 34 years, Ray (Paduke) Snakenberg and they made a life together in Sigourney until his death in 2003. In 2012, Arlene moved to Florida to spend the last 13 years with companion David Richard. They spent their winters in Florida and their summers at their lake home in Iowa.
Arlene had a long-time working career. She began working when she was a teenager, and then later worked as a US Census taker. In 1968, she started working in the Keokuk County Treasurer’s office and then was appointed County Treasurer in 1971. She held that position (which included campaigning and running for the position) for five elections until she retired in 1992. Finding that retirement wasn’t that much fun, she worked at Dollar General, at her church as a secretary, and at Sloan-Mohr Monument Company as an office manager. Retirement for real came in 2012 at the age of 78 after her working career of many years.
Spending time with her family, hosting family and friends in her home, and shopping were some of her favorite things to do. As her children were growing up she supported them in their interests and enjoyed attending their activities, especially the many, many ballgames.
Arlene could find humor in almost any situation and was quick to laugh and smile, making every gathering a fun one. In her later years she loved playing golf (self-taught) and designing, renovating, and decorating homes with her partner David.
Arlene is survived by her partner, David Richard of Hudson, son Monte (Marcia) Nilles of What Cheer, Iowa, and their daughter Mari Ann (Owen) Heires of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Shelley (Rich) Hornung of Madrid, Iowa, and their sons Jay Hornung of Onalaska, Wisconsin, and Tim Hornung of Madrid, Iowa; brother Donald Phillips of What Cheer, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
There will be a celebration of life service in Iowa at a later date.
She was a kind soul and will be missed by many.
Jen Hissrich
October 23, 2023, 2:26 pm
Beautiful and accurate tribute. She loved and was loved well. We will miss her. May she be resting in our Lord’s peace.
Darlene and Maurice Dukes
October 23, 2023, 2:52 pm
Deepest sympathies to the entire family. She will be so deeply missed. We loved spending time with her, she was always laughing and smiling. She always had her stories to tell along with her quick wit responses. No matter how you were feeling, a visit with her always ended with you feeling cheerful. I know she is in heaven now with all of our loved ones that have already entered those pearly gates and I am sure the angels were celebrating her arrival. May all of your loving memories help guide you through this sorrow. Thing of you all and sending lots of hugs and kisses💕
Ken and Ann Wagner
October 23, 2023, 11:11 pm
Prayers and thoughts of love and sympathies for the loss of this sweet angel Arlene. It was such an honor to have had her as a friend. We were so happy to have been able to visit with Arlene and David and Shelley a few weeks ago. We laughed as we remembered some really funny trips. We are going to miss you greatly Arlene. Fly high with the angels