Arlene Hope Stansberry, age 99, of Battlefield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on June 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and love for family.

A visitation for Arlene will be held on June 19 at 11:00 AM at Greenlawn Funeral Home South in Springfield, MO followed by a service at 12:00 PM.  Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Arlene was born to Jesse and Florence Young on February 13, 1927, in Ottumwa, Iowa.  She was preceded in death by her parents, four of her five siblings, husband, George Ratliff, and daughter, Marilyn Ratliff.  She is survived by her daughters Carol Ratliff, Joan Twedell, Connie Leeper, 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Arlene’s greatest pride was her family. She was the devoted mother of four daughters and was determined to provide opportunities for them, proudly sending all four to college. Her strength was especially evident when she became a widow at the age of 24 while raising three young children. Through courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith, she met life’s challenges head-on and became a role model of resilience and independence for her daughters and all who knew her.

Arlene’s roots in faith were established early in life. Her father was among the founders of Ottumwa Baptist Temple, and Arlene often fondly recalled the church’s earliest days, with its sawdust floors and simple plank seating. That foundation of faith remained central to her life and guided her through every season.

Music was one of Arlene’s lifelong joys. A self-taught pianist, she loved the old hymns and found great happiness sharing music with others. Throughout her life, she sang in church choirs as well as quartets, trios, and duets, using her talents to encourage and uplift those around her. She passed this love of music along to her daughters, insisting that they learn piano as well as one other instrument.

Arlene enjoyed crafting, sewing, scrapbooking, quilt making, writing and gardening. Independent and capable, she was just as likely to be found repairing her roof, mowing her yard on her John Deere lawn mower, or tending her garden as she was working on a quilt. Her simple joys were going to garage sales, watching Wheel of Fortune, and the old Westerns. She retired after 20 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works which provided her with the opportunity to visit her daughters and grandchildren in Colorado, North Carolina and Michigan.  She moved to Springfield in 2007.

Arlene will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her determination in the face of adversity, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Her life stands as a testament to the strength that comes from faith, hard work, and love. Her memory will be cherished always.