Arlena Michael

Arlena Mae (Gutscher) Michael, born on Sept. 25, 1938, in Burr Oak, Kansas, to Claud and Alberta Gutscher, died Sept. 13, 2024, at Village Manor in Abilene, Kansas. She was 85 years old.

Arlena grew up in Burr Oak with her siblings, Zelma Jensen of Gower, Missouri, and Lennie Gutscher of Burr Oak, Kansas. She attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, where she met David E. Michael. The two were married on Aug. 17, 1958, at Sam’s Chapel at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas.

Arlena was a devoted stay-at-home mother upon welcoming their daughter Micky in 1960. A few years later, Arlena became employed as a secretary for the Salina Civil Defense Emergency Preparedness Department and an active member of The Women of the Moose, roles she took great pride in until she and David relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. In 1982, she began a long and meaningful career with the American Red Cross in disaster services, where she made a lasting impact for 19 years before her retirement in 2001.

After many years away, Arlena and David returned to Salina in 2016. In her retirement, Arlena continued to embrace her passions. She was an avid auction-goer, enjoyed collecting glassware, and had a deep love for gardening. A talented pianist, Arlena also contributed her sewing skills to the Ararat Needle Guild, creating beautiful clothing for children at Shriners Children’s Texas.

Arlena is survived by her sister, Zelma Jensen of Gower, Missouri; her brother, Lennie Gutscher of Burr Oak, Kansas; her daughter, Micky Menard, and her son-in-law, Jim Menard, of Abilene, Kansas. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: CJ Jester (Alisha) of Salina, Kansas; Kimberly Linn (Cody) of Salina, Kansas; Pat Hubnik (Amy) of Salina, Kansas; Kelli Kohman of Abilene, Kansas; and Cristi Menard of Woodstock, Illinois. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren.

Arlena will be remembered for her kind heart, her many talents, and her dedication to family and community. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation for friends and family of Arlena will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21st, at Ryan Mortuary 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kansas. Burial will be at a later date in Winona, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Village Manor in Abilene and can be sent to 705 N Brady St, Abilene, KS 67410.