As a young girl Arlene, along with her family, was very active in the Berea Christian Church near Walker, Mo. While attending Berea, Arlene accepted the Lord into her heart; her faith supported her through each and every day. She shared her faith with her children by teaching them many of her favorite gospel tunes, to which you can still hear them harmonizing to this day.
While still in high school, Arlene met the one she loved with all her heart, James Emmett Hutchison. James and Arlene married in Ozark, Mo., on Sept. 21, 1963. Arlene was a dedicated wife throughout the 55 years they shared in marriage. They were blessed with seven amazing children that filled their lives with unimaginable joy.
Arlene had many skills, but her greatest skill was being a momma. She was a professional mother in all respects. Without a huge budget, she could turn ordinary threads into designer apparel with a simple sewing machine. A child in her care never went without, and she worked tirelessly to make sure this was the case. She taught each of her children to love without boundaries, to live by the Golden Rule, and to remember, “this too shall pass” when enduring tough times. Her children were her life, and they were her greatest reward while on Earth. She not only loved the children God blessed her with unconditionally, but numerous foster children as well. Arlene was overjoyed when she earned the title of grandmother and great-grandmother, as she was now able to “love on her grandbabies.” She was fondly known as Grandma Lolly by all of her grandchildren. She wore this title proudly; making sure each one was spoiled equally, either through sleepovers, fishing at the best spot, brown sugar sandwiches, sugar milk, and the all-time favorite, brownies with powdered sugar.
For many years, Arlene was a very sought after cake decorator. She had a true artistic skill in designing cakes for weddings, birthdays, and numerous other events, and she loved to share this gift with others. This was one of her many talents. She was also known as a skilled gardener and an amazing cook who loved to make sure that no one left hungry. This talent in particular was put on full display at all family gatherings. She never put on a simple meal; it was a full course presentation with the appropriate dishes and decorations for the occasion. Arlene also loved to watch anything in nature, from birds to deer; she had a fondness for the outdoors. She had a beautiful voice and loved to share this talent with others. She also enjoyed writing songs, sharing this gift with her daughters; they created a group called the T’Schannen’s that performed for many local events, as well as a professional recording of songs written by Arlene.
Preceding Arlene in death were her infant daughter, Janea Tschannen; her parents, Walter and Evelyn Balk; sisters, Jeanette Barthalomei and Francille Pettibon; and brother, Terry Balk.
Survivors include her husband, James Emmett Hutchison; children, Kenya (Lea) and Justin Lear, Ellinwood, Kan., Tanya (Toppie) and Mike Morin, El Dorado Springs, Mo., Shawna ( Charli) Hutchison and Kelly Michael, Longwood, Fla., Brandon (Bud) and Gigi Hutchison, Branson, Mo., Quinton (Jac) and Mandi Hutchison, Walker, Mo., and Gavon (Gator) and Tammy Hutchison, Harwood, Mo.; grandchildren, Talene Aguilera, Katleyn and Chan Johnson, Austin Lear, Damon Fisk, Jalyn Lear, Cory and Whitney Gayman, Marc and Michelle Morin, Trey and Bella Gayman, Lakyn and Jared Fuller, Nicole and Chris Coleman, Rhett Rook, Rheed Rook, Kash Rook, Ethan Hutchison, Dipika Hutchison, Slade Hutchison, Kolton and Brittany Hutchison, Kanen Hutchison, Kyler Hutchison and Landon Hutchison; great-grandchildren, Aurora Joy Aguilera, Joseph, Morley and Renn Gayman, Aidan Reeves, Ali Morin, Dylan Conrad, Logan, Braysen, and Owen Fuller, Courtney and Austin Coleman, Evie Le’Owne Rook, and Quade Hutchison; sisters, Annette Balk, Vernille and Donald Cubbage, and Roenna Balk; in-laws, Walter and Ruth Hutchison, Blanche and Danny Williams, and Marye and Jerry Sanderson; closely bonded cousins, Doug Reynolds and Bonnie Warne; and numerous nieces, nephews, loved ones, and treasured friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, from 6-7 p.m. at Bland-Hackleman Chapel in El Dorado Springs, Mo. Funeral services for Arlene Hutchison will be held on Friday, June 28, at 11 a.m., at Bland-Hackleman Chapel with Brother Doug Reynolds officiating. Music selections will be sung by her children and those in attendance. Interment will follow in Green Mound Cemetery in Harwood, Mo., under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Cory Gayman, Marc Morin, Kolton Hutchison, Kash Rook, Ethan Hutchison, and Landon Hutchison. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Lear, Damon Fisk, Trey Gayman, Slade Hutchison, Kanen and Kyler Hutchison.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to help the family with expenses and left at the funeral home.
