Arlene Gaule

Arlene Kay Gaule, 81, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024. Arlene, a twin, was born on December 11, 1942 to Mae Lucille and Earl Glen Oneth. She and twin Darlene were eagerly greeted by older sisters Joyce and Patricia.

Arlene held dear many friendships from her childhood, and she stayed in touch with many of them. She also had dear friends in her neighborhood who helped and supported her after the death of her husband, Bill. Arlene had three husbands, all of whom enriched her life in different ways. Jerry Harlow blessed her with her son, Brian Harlow, and has always been a great dad to Brian and a dear friend to Arlene. Larry Batchelor was a great step-dad for Brian and shared lots of travel adventures with her. Bill Gaule was a great companion for Arlene, and he expanded her family with four adult children and their children and grandchildren. Bill was a master carpenter and was able to build anything Arlene could dream of.

Arlene was a very social person and flourished in clerical roles at Equitable of Iowa, AAA Motor Club, and ALCO. She was very welcoming and loved solving problems for her clients. She also worked as a waitress and hostess, again offering a welcoming smile and letting folks know that she was glad they were there.

Arlene enjoyed reading, travel, gardening and bicycling, but her true passion was crafting and cooking. She was known for creating and sharing a wide variety of dishes, and she loved to entertain. Arlene was a master crafter, and she enjoyed creating flower arrangements for herself and others. She loved decorating the house and porch for Christmas and other holidays. Arlene received lots of help with her electronics from niece Vicki Signor and nephew Brendan Brown. She also appreciated the help from ex-husband Jerry Harlow, longtime friend Cheryl, and neighbors Kathy, Valerie and Sharon after Bill’s death. They surrounded her with comfort, laughter and lots of stories.

Preceding Arlene in death were her mother, Mae Lucille Oneth, father, Earl Glen Oneth, husband Larry Batchelor, husband William Gaule, Sister Patricia Racek, brother in law Carroll Racek, and twin sister Darlene Jones.

Arlene is survived by her son Brian Harlow (Chrissy), step son David Gaule (Julianne), step daughters Karen Brown, Cyndi Rohrer (Cris), and Julie Parks (Dane), sister Joyce Samo (Dave), and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, at the Club House at 947 South 100th St, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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