Arlene E. Crocker, 99, of Newton died on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, at Nelson Manor.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.
The family will greet friends beginning at noon until the time of service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Arlene’s name (checks made payable to Pam Wever) may be left at the funeral home. Memorial money will be used to support the many causes Arlene contributed to over the years.
Arlene, the daughter of Earl and Carmen (McGriff) Nelson, was born on Jan. 24, 1922 in Newton. She was a lifelong resident of Newton. Arlene was united in marriage with Gerald “Bud” Shaffer in 1938.
Arlene held several positions including working at various café’s, as well as Woolworth, Winpower, and the Vernon Company. During the war efforts, she also worked in a local factory making bomb casings.
During summers, she would travel with her father’s business, Nelson Carnival Rides. Arlene also did washing and ironing for local families. After her divorce to Gerald, she was married to Bernard “Bud” Crocker on April 9, 1956 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
She was very active in numerous organizations including a 70-plus year member of the Moose Lodge, VFW Auxiliary, WRC- Women’s Relief Corp, Eastern Star, the Rebekah Lodge, and the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem of Marshalltown.
She also volunteered countless hours at the Knoxville Veteran’s Hospital. She was a fan of Daniel O’Donnell and Marty Robbins.
Arlene loved all shades of the color purple, flowers, and spending time with family and friends.
Arlene is survived by her son-in-law, Jim Conrey of West Liberty; grandchildren, Pam Wever of West Liberty and Jim P. (Annette) Conrey of Huntley, Illinois; her great-grandchildren, Devin Wever, Jacob (Autumn) Burroughs, and Alex Conrey; as well as great-great-grandchildren, Ashton, JayLyn, and Lincoln Burroughs.
She is also survived by three siblings including Yvonne (Steve) Romans of Knoxville, Carmen (Bob) VanderLeest of Newton, and Anita “Toots” (Doug) Trotter of Newton; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud Crocker in 1993; beloved daughter, Marilyn Conrey; two sisters, Liz Tichner and Dorothy Mickle; brother, Earl “Sonny” Nelson, Jr.; and a sister in infancy, Yvonne Nelson.