Arlene Schussler, 87, Deepwater, passed away on December 12, 2018, at Westwood Living Center in Clinton, Missouri.
Arlene was born in Henry County, Missouri on June 23, 1931, to Louis and Caroline (Cook) Westhusing in the Germantown community. She received her elementary education at St. Ludger School in Germantown, and was the Salutatorian of her graduating class at Montrose High School in 1949. She was then employed in Clinton as a stenographer before her marriage to her former classmate, Gregory Schussler.
Greg and Arlene were married on May 17, 1954, at St. Ludger Church. They became the parents of four children, and lived in the Germantown community until 1964 when they moved to their farm southwest of Deepwater. Arlene approached the role of farm wife with great determination as she grew and preserved fruits and vegetables, cooked countless meals from scratch, and partnered with Greg on the livestock and crop operations. In 2004, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, which provided many happy memories. Thanks to the help of her trusted caregiver, Wilma Bedford, along with support from her neighborhood friends (the Crowders, the Stropes, and the Swaters), Arlene was able to reside on the family farm until two months prior to her passing.
Arlene’s life centered around faith, family, and home. She was a loving and caring daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Arlene greatly enjoyed family gatherings and reunions, as she had a sincere appreciation for and knowledge of family history. She was a prayer warrior for all needs, and devoutly prayed her rosary. Arlene was a member of St. Ludger Catholic Church, and later, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose. She was an active member of the Altar Sodality and served as president at both parishes. In 1999, Arlene was chosen from her parish to receive the annual Diocesan Recognition Award for long-term service to the church.
Appreciating the value of community service, Arlene was actively involved in Henry County 4-H for many years. For ten years, she was the Community Leader for the Montrose Busy Beavers 4-H Club, and generously shared her sewing skills as a clothing project leader for many years. In 1982, she was selected to be on the University of Missouri Extension Leaders’ Honor Roll, and in 1990, she received the Diamond Clover Award for 25 years of service to 4-H. She was also a long-time member of the Care and Share Club at Montrose, where she enjoyed the wonderful fellowship and community service in this close-knit group of ladies.
Arlene is survived by her son, Jeffrey Schussler and his wife Kathy of Marion, Iowa; daughters, Kay Miller and her husband Jim of Raymore, Lori Merrigan and her husband John of Greenwood, and Patrice Rodabaugh and her husband Dan of Lowry City. Additionally, she is survived by ten grandchildren: Eric and Maria Schussler; Emily (John) Bennett; Erin (Kyle) Johnson; Andrew and Alex Miller; Holly and Kaylee Merrigan; Danielle (Devin) Burrow; and Bret Rodabaugh. Two great-granddaughters survive her: Norah Bennett and Giovanna Johnson. Arlene is also survived by her two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Westhusing and Jackie Cook, both of Montrose, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Gregory; her parents; her sister, Eunice Schussler; brothers Dave, Elmer, Linus, Glen, and Cyde; sisters-in-law Edna Schussler, Caroline Westhusing, Hazel Westhusing, Rosalie Sickman and Alice Westhusing; brothers-in-law Cletus Schussler, Reginald Schussler, Norman Cook and Denis Sickman; and grandson, Dane Schussler.
The family asked that memorial contributions be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and be left in care of Consalus Funeral Home, 209 S. 2nd St., Clinton, MO 64735.
