Arlene Mary (Thompson, Horning) Varner, 98, died on Jan. 27, 2018. She went to sleep in her own apartment and passed away peacefully — no pain and no sickness, thanks to God.
She was a 60-year resident of Terry, Mont.
She was born Dec. 20, 1919, to Lee and Mary Thompson in Brookings. The family moved to four different farms and ended up near Glendive, Mont., in 1934. Arlene was their third child out of 11 children born of this marriage. She attended a country grade school and loved going to school. Her father was a carpenter.
She married Walter Daniel Horning on Feb. 10, 1941. They had four daughters — Donna, Sharon, Sandy, and Vickie. Walt operated the Conoco Gas Station when they moved to Terry, Mont., in 1953. Walt passed away when he was 39 years old from a heart attack.
She married Donald Varner on Aug. 3, 1958. Don had two daughters from a previous marriage — Barbara and Cheryl. They were married for 50 years raising their six daughters. They enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, dancing, and their grandkids. Don passed away on May 7, 2008.
She did a lot of cooking and baking — devoted her life to being a homemaker.
She was able to live in the family home for 5 years after Don passed away. Her wonderful neighbors and friends helping and checking in on her.
She then moved to Spearfish to be closer to family and had her own apartment at the Hickory House. She loved living there and had a circle of friends that she cherished.
She is survived by one brother, Richard (Dick) Thompson, from Texas.
Cremation has taken place. Her ashes will be placed in the Terry Cemetery — no services. She had a large family (with beautiful grandkids) that loved her dearly.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Diane Rath Hewett says
Thinking of you Cheryl and family. So sorry for your loss. God bless you all, Sincerely, Diane.
Cathy Ban Kalmback says
You have all been in our thoughts and prayers! Arlene & Don were a part of my church family at Grace Lutheran, and they were also good friends because of the relationship they had with my parents, Frank & Irene Ban. Our parents played many hands of cards, traveled thousands of miles, and caught lots of fish & camped together! Rest in the arms of our Savior, Dear Arlene!