In the comfort of her home and surrounded by her family, Arlene Alice Strutz, a truly remarkable mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, teacher and friend passed from our arms Sunday, February 4 at the age of 96. Our hearts are lifted as we thankfully remember and celebrate her love, faith, zest for life, sense of humor and personal accomplishments over the span of nine decades.
One of nine children born to Peter and Mary Bighouse in Butte, ND, she moved with her family to Oregon, settling in Portland in 1943. There, she met the love of her life Bob Strutz. In 1952 she arrived by ship in England on the Queen Mary to marry Bob during his Air Force service. Upon return to Oregon, Arlene and Bob began their family adding three daughters.
Always learning and inspiring others, her joy, fun loving attitude and passion for creativity were reflected as she mastered her life’s triumphs and challenges, including:
Blue Ribbon Baking Champion – Oregon State Fair
Blue Ribbon Baking Champion – Umatilla County Fair
Breast Cancer Survivor
American Kennel Club (AKC) Exhibitor – English Bulldogs
American Kennel Club (AKC) – Judge
Oil / Toll Painting Artist
Traditional Rug Hooking Artist
Founder / Director – Friends By The Sea Rug Hooking Camp, Rockaway, OR
Founder / Director – Prairie Rose Rug Hooking Camp / Assumption Abby – Richardton, ND
Retiring on the Oregon Coast at Rockaway Beach, OR and returning annually to her family’s original property in Butte, ND, Arlene spent many summers gardening, growing and picking vegetables, berries and fruit. A proud Ukrainian, she delighted in canning and was greatly appreciated by her children and grandchildren for her borscht, pickles, jams and jellies.
Arlene is survived by daughter Patty & David Edwards, grandsons Brian and Stephen Edwards, Becky & Len Louder, Kathy & Rob Cline, granddaughter Kaelee Velasquez, sister Dorothy Lazoff, six great- grandchildren and one great, great grandchild on the way.
Viewing will take place at Waud’s Funeral Home, 1414 3rd St., Tillamook, OR, Saturday February 10 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Celebration of life services are arranged at Tillamook Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2610 1st. St. Tillamook, OR, Saturday, February 17 at 2:00 PM.
Internment ceremony is arranged at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Happy Valley, OR February 20th at 10:00 AM\
