Charlotte E. Arnold

Charlotte Arnold, 92, of Miles City went to her heavenly home, Tuesday, November 22, 2011 after an extended illness.
Charlotte and twin brother Daniel were born April 14, 1919 in Aitkin Minnesota to Joseph and Elsie McDonald. She was preceded in death by her 3 brothers and 2 sisters, husband Keith Arnold, daughter Peggy Lynn Arnold and son Reginald Earl Arnold. Surviving siblings are her sisters Marion Holland of Alabama and Marcella Smith of North Dakota, her brother Patrick McDonald of Wisconsin. Her surviving children are; Leah (Jim) Doolan of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Patrick Arnold of Rathdrum, Idaho, Judy Arnold, Dan (Patricia) Arnold, Sheldon (Cindy) Arnold all of Miles City and Dennis (Patricia) Arnold of Grand Haven, Michigan, her 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlotte attended grade school in Aitkin Minnesota and went on to graduate from Santa Ana High School in California in 1940 with the aspirations of becoming a journalist. The onset of WWII changed her focus from journalism to supporting the war effort working in factories making bullets for the military. Her future occupations would have her working alongside her husband Keith Richmond Arnold in Beach, North Dakota, Terry, and Miles City, Montana in the restaurant business until his untimely passing in 1961. The many restaurants include the Theatre Cafeé , Alta Club, Ten Spot Cafeé, Beacon Cafeé and the Husky Truck Stop. Charlotte remained in Miles City where she dedicated her life to her family raising her remaining 7 children by herself in the big yellow house (as she would always refer to).
Charlotte was a talented seamstress, baker, gardener and loved to create beautiful hand-tied quilts. Her favorite pastimes were playing cards and Scrabble with family and friends. She supplemented her talents with her family first and foremost in her life. She always knew what needed to be done to provide for her families everyday needs.
Charlotte was a friend to all of who came into her life. Her warm greetings, infectious smile and soft spoken words would always make you feel welcome. She loved conversation and entertaining. Her tremendous memory for detail was one of her strongest attributes throughout her life. Reciting the Patriotic Instructional verse for the VFW from memory was a very proud accomplishment for her.
Charlotte was encouraged by Genevieve Gray to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 1579 in Miles City. She honorably and vigorously served the auxiliary for 50 continuous years holding positions as; Auxiliary President, Guard Chaplain, Patriotic Instructor, and District 6 President. She was recently presented her 50 year pin (for which she was so proud) in a ceremony conducted at the Friendship Villa this year. The VFW Auxiliary she believed was not only fulfilling but also necessary to support those who have served our country.
Funeral services will be Saturday, November 26 at 11:00 Am at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with internment following at Calvary Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be made to the family at www.stevenson and sons.com. Should family and friends desire, memorials may be made to the Military Affairs in support of Unmet Needs local VFW Auxiliary Post 1579, Miles City or the Council on Aging. Reception will receive family and friends at the VFW following internment.