Arlene Ann (Radle) Pittman, 81, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family, on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, in Springfield, Missouri.
Arlene was born on August 23, 1940, in Arkansaw, Wisconsin, to George and Matilda (Bauer) Radle. She graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1958. On September 3, 1960, Arlene married Robert Pittman in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arkansaw. They raised their family in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where Arlene was both a homemaker and worked for over 12 years in the manufacturing industry at Honeywell and Gillette. In 1984, she and Bob moved to Springfield, Missouri, with Burlington Northern Railroad. She and Bob enjoyed over 44 years of marriage before his death in 2006.
Arlene has been an active and longtime parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was an involved member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women. She was also an active member of Hatitudes- Red Hat Society, Springfield Hospitality Club, and the Springfield Botanical Gardens Friends of the Garden. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, generous heart, and for sending out greeting cards on every holiday and special occasion. Arlene was a devoted blood donor to Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) and had recently been inducted into the CBCO Hall of Fame as a lifetime donor, an honor she was very proud to receive.
Some of Arlene’s most memorable interests include flower gardening, feeding and attracting birds to her backyard, taking day-trips, baking her famous apple bars, trying new restaurants, and enjoying a good meal with family and friends.
Arlene is survived by her two sons Michael (Sarah) Pittman and Jeffrey (Kristy) Pittman, three brothers Galen Radle, Harvey Radle, and Norbert Radle (Maureen); one sister, Lucille (Roy) Valitchka, and her sisters-in-law, Ruth Pittman and Joan (Tim) Bykowski. Her grandchildren Jessica (René) Arrazola, Jennifer Pittman, and Jaxon Pittman, Shawn Sullivan and Kelli (Matthew) Lipscomb. One great-grandchild, Andrew Arrazola and baby Arrazola (due in July). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Arlene was preceded in death by her sister Evelyn (Radle) Weiss and brother -in-law, Gene Weiss, sisters-in-law Bernadine Radle, and Blanche Radle.
A celebration of life and visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri, from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 3555 S. Fremont, in Springfield, Missouri, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Garden (c/o Springfield Botanical Garden) or to the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, 220 W. Plainview Road, Springfield, Missouri.
Blood donations may also be made in memory of Arlene at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks.
A special thank you to Haven Hospice and Visiting Angels for their wonderful care and family support. Online condolences and stories may be shared at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com
For live streaming of the funeral mass go to ic-parrish.org