Arlene Lucille Fast

Arlene Lucille Fast, 81, of Hartford, passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at her home.

Arlene was born October 5, 1931 in Benton Harbor, the daughter of Vernon and Carrie (Phillips) Shoff, both of whom precede her in passing.

Arlene graduated from Spring Arbor Junior College. In her younger years, she was employed in many different offices, where she learned numerous skills. As she grew wiser and a little older, her passion turned to helping others and so she became a Foster Mother to numerous young children. The times she spent with these children and raising her own children was the best years of her life.

Arlene leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband; Jerry, whom she married on October 21, 1966, her children; Karen Fast of Hartford, Don (Joan) Harris of Silver City and Carrie (Jerry) Caulder of Winterhaven, Florida, 8 grandchildren: Brad Fast, Kristy (Harris) Lavalle, Francine Harris, Carla (Harris) Loeffler, Erin Harris, Candy Hall, Billy Caulder and Austin Caulder, 3 great-grandchildren: Andrea Fast, Kyle Fast and Amelia Lavalle, a sister: Bonnie Schmalbach and a brother: Vernon E. Shoff, Jr.

A service to honor Arlene’s memory will commence at 1 P.M. on Wednesday October 31, 2012 at the Free Methodist Church in Watervliet. The family will welcome friends ½ hour prior to the service. Pastor Brian Hall will officiate. Arlene will be laid to rest in North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial donations be made to either the church or Hospice at Home. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford with the arrangements. Those wishing to leave condolences may do so by visiting our web site at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.