Arlene Catherine Stephens, 86 of Bronson passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Almost Like Home of Bronson while surrounded by her loving family.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am, Monday, February 5, 2018 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Terry Siler of the First Congregational Church officiating. Interment will follow at West Jamestown Cemetery in Fremont. Visitation will be Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Bronson from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Arlene was born May 15, 1931 to Frederick and Lulu (McCord) Gould in Crissy, OH. On March 31, 1948 she married Clair Lanning. She later married Clifford Ditmer on May 20, 1961 and then Lloyd Stephens, Sr. on December 6, 1976. She was a hardworking woman, spending many years working at Doerr Products in Burr Oak, where she was an IAMA union representative until the business closed. Arlene then began sewing Cabbage Patch Doll and Goose clothes to help supplement their income.

Arlene was a woman of faith and a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Bronson, where she participated with the Women’s Fellowship and Scrappy Quilters. She was very talented in quilting, crocheting, sewing, and cross stitching. Arlene liked going to the Burnside Senior Center for different activities. In her younger years, she enjoyed going camping and fishing. Her true joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was well known for her cooking, baking and her love of animals, especially dogs. Arlene was an outgoing and friendly woman with a great sense of humor. She will be missed by many.

Mrs. Stephens is survived by her children Susan Marie (Robert) Sobeski, Vicki Marie (Deward) Demarest, Laura Ann (Roman) Miller all of Bronson, and Lisa Michelle Verity of Three Rivers; her sister Janet Goldner of Pleasant Lake, IN; her grandchildren Melissa (Stephen) Johnson, Marc (April Wick) Sobeski, Paul (Annette) Sandy, Jamie (Marta) Sandy, Christopher Stephens, Keith Hollister, Brandy Miller, Tristen Miller, Jamey Verity, James Verity, Jr., Alea Clementz, and Tammy (Patrick) Pombier; 23 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren; many nieces & nephews; and her care giver Stacy Herman. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband’s Lloyd, Clifford, and Clair; her son Terry Ray Lanning; her brothers Robert, Lloyd, and John Gould; her infant sister Pauline Gould; her infant grandson Wyatt Timothy Clementz; and her life-long friend Gladys Bowdish.

Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Branch County or the Alzheimer’s Association. www.ductherfh.com