Arlene F. Eckhart

Arlene (Deremiah) Eckhart was received into Heaven on August 21, 2023. Arlene was born on December 18, 1932, in Newton, Iowa, to Joseph and Ruth (Boyer) Dennis. Arlene loved spending time with her three sisters, Betty, Bonnie, and Carolyn, and she adored her three brothers-in-law. They were all a comedy act when together, with Arlene being the center comedian! Arlene loved music, singing, and times she and her sisters would sing together. She loved her church, shopping, eating (especially chocolates), animals, and her family, which was most important to her. She was very patriotic and believed in her country.

Arlene leaves behind four children: Vickie Loomis, Denny Deremiah, Diane Derryberry, and Jim Deremiah; eleven grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren. The count of loving nieces and nephews are many. She loved them all. Mom will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Chris Eckhart; sister, Betty Reynolds; brother-in-law, Larry Reynolds; and her parents.

A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral service at 12:00 p.m. A reception will follow for family and friends at Valley United Methodist Church, 4201 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Mom will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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