Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
1925
2014
LOIS ARNOLD January 22, 1925 - March 30,2014 Lois Arnold was born in Valdosta, Georgia on January 22nd, 1925 to Frank N. Fletcher, and Minnie Lee Ragan. She was the 9th sibling of 11 children, including Horace, Oscar, Nettie May, Claude, John, Frank, Lois, Alma, and Ferdinand. During WWII, Lois went to work at Moody Army Air Field, Georgia, in 1944, working in an electric shop assembling magnetos for B-25 aircraft. It was there she met T/Sgt. Paul J. Arnold and after a brief courtship the couple were married in Quitman, Georgia on May 26th, 1945. Paul's military career took them to Mitchell Field, New York; Burtonwood Air Force Base, England; Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Illinois; and finally to March Air Force Base, where the family settled in Riverside, California. Lois enjoyed the social life during their military career, and loved homemaking, working in the yard, and growing Day Lilies and Roses. Lois volunteered at Sierra Middle School tutoring in the math lab and later as a reading tutor at Magnolia Elementary School. She also enjoyed the arts, loved attending local plays with family and friends, and was an accomplished artist-painter. Family and friends throughout the United States enjoy Lois' paintings. Her husband Paul preceded Lois in death in December of 1989. Lois is survived by her sisters, Nettie May and Alma, her children; Lois Boatman, JoAnn Coffman, Paul Arnold, Jr., Robert "Bob" Arnold (wife Linda), Dave Arnold, Jill Arnold, and 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to your favorite charity, or to: "Can Do Multiple Sclerosis" By visiting their website at http://www.mscando.org. Funeral services are scheduled at: Acheson & Graham, Garden of Prayer Mortuary 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, Ca. 92504 April 4, 2014 at 9am Internment immediately following at: Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Ca. 92518 Staging area 8 at 11:31am. Reception to follow immediately after the services at Elks Lodge 6166 Brockton Ave Riverside, Ca. 92506.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary.
Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven
where the love of our lost ones pour down through
and shine upon us to let us know they are happy.
I miss you so very much mom, and my love for you will
never die. JoAnn
June 9, 2014
Andy and I were just reflecting on the many mamas who have touched our lives throughout the years and yours is certainly one of them. Much prayer and comfort sent for this Mother's Day as we have many who have fought the good fight and are now resting in their Heavenly Home. Pray all your family are doing well. Know you are always welcome in our home when you come east for a visit, blessings,
Andy, Katrina, Kris and Kirk Fletcher
May 14, 2014
To all the Arnold kids,
...as I changed my bed sheets yesterday, I thought yet again of my sweet Godmother (Lois) because that was the last gift she sent me. There were so many over the years including a beautiful painting. I hope this Mother's Day you will be sharing great memories of her with one another and the day will feel a little less empty...
Laurie Thompson
May 13, 2014
Robert Arnold
May 11, 2014
Mama, You were such an inspiration to so many lives and this family. I am relieved that you are finally free of your pain and you are in heaven with Daddy. I miss you so much and loved you dearly- daughter-Jill
Jill Arnold
April 30, 2014
Words shared at the National Cemetery...
Grandma if I were to take anything back right now it would be to spend more time with you. You were such a nice, warm, touching person to be around. I loved when you were in your kitchen and I walked through the door and you would say "Hi Ryan, how's school?" or "look how big you've gotten!"
And I loved when you gave me a big hug, too! Also I loved when you let me feed the fish or pick flowers in the backyard or try to capture one of the yellow finches by putting bird seed in my hand and sitting absolutely still near the feeder...You would watch me do those things, grandma...but most of all I miss you...
Ryan Ashley great granddaughter age 10
April 28, 2014
Where do I even begin...
As I sit and write this I am looking at your beautiful pictures. I can see a reflection of you in me. I was always sad that there had to be so many miles between us in the later years. Your letters were always such a warm welcome in my mailbox. I miss you so much. Even recently when I was sick this past fall with my surgery you took the time to hand write me a card wishing me well all why you yourself were suffering from cancer. That was just the kind of loving Grandmother and Mother you were. You always took the time to think of others even in your own pain. There is not enough space to write all the many wonderful memories I have with you and the family. Growing up in the Arnold family was a blessing! A large part of who I am today is because of the Arnold family, who always put family first. I came across a plaque the other day that truly sums up our family. It said, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all" and that is so true. Grandma you were the anchor you were the lighthouse shining from the shore for all of us to always have a safe place to fall with you. I want to say Thank You for showing us what FAMILY truly means. You passed that on to my own Mom and I am so thankful to you for that. I love you for all eternity. Michelle, granddaughter (Kansas City, MO)
Michelle Chaplick
April 24, 2014
excerpt from RUSD Board of Education letter:
The Board of Education of the Riverside Unified School District and I would like to express our deepest sympathy over the loss of Lois. At the April 14th Board meeting, the Board adjourned the meeting in her memory.
Lois's years of dedicated service to the RUSD as a strong and effective volunteer for Sierra Middle School tutoring in the math lab and later as a reading tutor at Magnolia Elementary School were admirable. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by the staff, students, and administrators that she has influenced...
Patricia Lock-Dawson, President
April 24, 2014
Grandma,
You have been the most wonderful grandma I could ever ask for. Not one day will ever go by that I don't think of you. You will always be near to my heart because you were always so kind and loving to me. Thank you for being apart of my life and may God bless you.
Your Grandson
Scott
Scott Arnold
April 24, 2014
excerpt from speech:
...It's hard to convey in words the impact Grandma has had on my life. She is one of a kind; a special soul that acted as the foundation for many of us here today. Grandma is where we all went when we felt happy or sad: proud, scared, accomplished, worried, confused or just needed a homemade sandwich, free soda and good conversation. She is one of the few people I always wanted to make proud! She challenged me to persevere through my darkest moments and to use those moments to become a better person...
Your ability to keep the Family together, no matter how large it became, or the differences that separated us...your home was always open to Easter Egg Hunts, Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas visits, Birthday Celebrations and all the times in between where there was always a fresh pot of coffee brewing and something delicious and freshly prepared by you for us to eat...Your example taught me the true value of FAMILY...
Jamie granddaughter
April 24, 2014
excerpt from remarks:
...While I was only 12 at Grandpa's funeral, I remember Aunt Bootsi telling Grandpa "your home was your castle and you were the King," well, Gramma your home was YOUR castle and you ARE the QUEEN>" You're with your King now and the love of your life as you described in your journal. Be at peace...go rest high on that mountain--for your time on this earth is through. You did one hell of a job. We love you so much. You are our hero and our memories of you will live on forever...
As the matriarch of our family, grandma's gentle spirit, sense of humor, and kindness naturally brought us together as a family. Gramma's now passed the torch on to us and it is our responsibility to keep her spirit alive by staying together as a family unit, because we all know that is what she would want.
Christie granddaughter
April 24, 2014
She will be in my heart forever. Such an inspiring and wonderful woman who has touched many of hearts. I will miss you Grandma! Love Always!
Melissa Bean
April 24, 2014
Linda Arnold
April 23, 2014
Linda Arnold
April 23, 2014
Eulogy
Our Mother, Lois Arnold, was born in Valdosta, Georgia on January 22, 1925 to Frank N. Fletcher and Minnie Ragan. She was the 9th sibling of 11 children, including Horace, Oscar, Nettie May, Claude, John, Frank, Mom, Alma and Ferdinand. The family raised their own vegetables and meat, and jarred food for the winter months. The family remained in the Valdosta, Georgia area where the family roots trace back to before the Revolutionary War and Mom was proud of her Fletcher heritage, which is displayed in the Valdosta Museum. I remember how mom cried out in joy when I showed her the name of a distant relative, William Fletcher, who, during the Revolutionary War, was a quartermaster under the command of Colonel Francis Marion, listed on the Internet in the history of the "Swamp Fox." During WWII, Mom became one of the thousands of women who were represented on the posters depicting "Rosie the Riveter." Mom went to work at Moody Army Air Field in 1944, working in an electric shop assembling magnetos for B-25 aircraft.
In November of 1944, US Army Air Force Tech. Sgt. Paul Joseph Arnold was transferred to Moody Air Field from England and worked in the welding shop. Between the two shops, was the machine shop where her brother Oscar worked. Mom subsequently met Dad and by her own accounts, fell head over heals in love with the tall, black haired, blue, eyed, Army Air Force Tech. Sergeant. Even though he worked in the machine shop between their two shops, Mom's brother Oscar never learned of their dating and courtship.
During a lunch break, Mom was in the shade under a B-25 bomber, sleeping against a landing wheel when Dad awakened her. He proposed to her by giving her $50 and telling her to go get a wedding ring because they were getting married Saturday night.
Mom bought a pair of gold bands for $22. Without telling anyone, they "eloped" on a Greyhound bus to Quitman, Georgia and got married on that Saturday night, May 26, 1945. After their one-day honeymoon of "sightseeing in Quitman," they returned to work the following Monday reporting the news to her family and friends.
Dad's military career took them to Mitchell Field, New York where daughter's Lois and JoAnn were born, to Burtonwood Royal Air Force Base, England, where I, Paul Jr. was born, then on to Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, where Robert and David were born.
Dad's last year in the Air Force found him with orders for Germany. Rather than take the entire family to Germany in his last year in the Air Force, Mom packed up the five children, including David who was an infant, into the family 1951 Dodge Coronet. The car was equipped with a rented water cooler hanging on the right front side window and extra water in canvas bags hanging on the front bumper.
Mom drove herself and the children on what became a great adventure to California by way of Route 66, visiting Indian Reservations, the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, Meteor Crater, Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest before arriving in the Riverside area. Dad rejoined the family returning from Germany in 1959. Later, in 1964, our youngest sibling Jill was born at March Air Force Base. The Arnold family settled in Riverside, making a beautiful home for their family and subsequent large extended family.
Lois enjoyed the social life during their military career and later loved to work in her yard, especially growing day lilies and roses. Mom loved visits from family and friends and always welcomed them with an unsolicited sandwich (she made the best sandwiches)which always seemed to
mysteriously appear in front of any visitor who found themselves at her large dining room table. Mom's table was the family parlor where conversation flourished between friends and family.
Mom also enjoyed the arts, loved attending local and live theatre and was an accomplished artist-painter. Family and friends throughout the United States enjoy mother's paintings.
Mom loved her family deeply and cherished all of the kids right down to her great-great grandchildren. The love for her family is eloquently expressed and her life's final journey, accurately predicted in her own words from a journal which reads: "MY CHILDREN ARE MY LIFE, IT BEGAN AND WILL END WITH THEM AT MY SIDE."
Her husband, Paul, preceded Mom in death December 23, 1989. Mother is survived by her sister's Nettie May McLeod and Alma Carson, her children: Lois Boatman, JoAnn Coffman, Paul Arnold Jr., Robert Arnold , wife Linda, David Arnold, Jill Arnold, 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Paul Arnold
April 22, 2014
My grandma was a special lady. I think she was special because when I was very little she would read to me since I didn't know how to read and when I learned how to read I would read to her. It was our time together. One of my favorite memories is when she was watching me and both of us were singing "you are my sunshine" to the whole entire family. When I would want to color I would ask her and she would get up and get everything I needed. I loved eating in her backyard where I helped raise turtles and fish. I also loved Thanksgiving at her house because I loved her gravy and every time I was hungry she always had tomatoes for me. Grandma was there to support me at my dance recitals and whenever she couldn't go...I would do a little tap show in her kitchen. The last time I talked to her I sang "Let it Go." That is a big memory. When I left the last word I heard from her was "Good-bye." I also went to visit her when she was asleep. I am very lucky I got to kiss her and say "I love you," the day she went to heaven. Thank you Uncle Bob for giving me this bear. It is special because it was in grandma's arms at her last breath. I named him Fletcher because that was her last name before she got married. I love you grandma; we have a lot of memories together. I will never ever forget you. You were my life.
Aubrey great granddaughter, age 9
April 22, 2014
I will always love you mom Arnold. Heaven has gained an Angel.
Dana Campbell
April 18, 2014
What a wonderful lady, mother, and friend, Aunt Lois. You opened your life and home to us and we have so many treasured memories. Your smile and laughter will always be remembered along with your hospitality and love. We miss and love you, Andy, Katrina, Kris and Kirk
Katrina Fletcher
April 18, 2014
Linda Arnold
April 17, 2014
I wanted to call you when I got back to NC to let you know how my flight went but realized you are no longer with us. It was such a strange feeling, your passing doesn't seem real. I love and miss you so very much! Sissy
April 15, 2014
Grama Lois, you were an Angel and now have your wings. I love you always
Jessica Combs
April 14, 2014
Think of you everyday...
Love you Mom, Dave
April 11, 2014
I miss you so--love, Bootsi
lois boatman
April 9, 2014
I will miss you! The day you were layed to rest all the Dogwoods started to bloom. I love how you always appreciated the outdoors and gardening. That would be the Southern Girl in you. Thank you for all of the happy and warm memories. I miss you and love you very much. But when the Azaleas and Dogwoods are in bloom it will forever remind me of you!
Jenifer Stanley
April 6, 2014
This earth has lost a wonderful woman and now heaven has a new Saint. I will miss her.... Ray Coffman
Ray Coffman
April 4, 2014
Lois and Family, I regret I was unable to attend the services but you have my deepest sympathy. Your mother was such a lovely lady which an enormous heart and a kind spirit. I will always remember her as one of guardian lights of my youth.
Shezwae Powell
April 4, 2014
Lois and family,
I so enjoyed knowing your mother. She was a beautiful lady in many ways. She was devoted to her family and to helping others. She was also lots of fun to be with. I know you'll really miss her. I'm so glad I knew her.
Jeanie Broiles
April 4, 2014
There are so many precious memories of Lois & Family. Family was so important to her. She was always there for her family & friends and loved them unconditionally. She told me that I was like one of her kids. She will be so missed, but she doesn't have to be in pain anymore. Lois was my "Other Mother", and I was so Blessed to have her in my life. Love Patsy & Mike
April 4, 2014
Love and memories live in your hearts forever, and they will bring you peace.
Love, Bill and Laura
April 4, 2014
It's so hard to say goodbye, even though we know we all have to do it. I'm so thankful Lois and I met in person 2 years ago, after years of writing one another. I learned early in our acquaintance that she loved shopping QVC! I have many gifts from her - the first being a Wedgewood pitcher she sent when I was born! She was thoughtful, generous, and so sweet, and looking at the photo album it is very obvious that her family brought her great joy! What a beautiful smile she had, to match her beautiful heart. My prayers are with you, Arnold family, as you say your final earthly goodbyes. With much love, Goddaughter Laurie
Laurie Thompson
April 3, 2014
It is comfort to know, Lois is now in a better place...next to our Lord.
Lois, you will never be forgotten, just tucked in a corner of our hearts.
Enjoyed the times we spent together.
(Bob and Linda's sister)
Janet Ward
April 3, 2014
The Arnold Family,
I met Lois 45 years ago. She was always nice and greeted me. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you our heartfelt condolences.
Dan Horton
April 3, 2014
Sending you all thoughts of comfort and love. I met Lois Jr. in college, and had the luck to meet her wonderful Mom and family. Fond memories of sleeping over on the living room floor..glad we're still in touch, Linda Phillippi
April 3, 2014
a lifetime of memories for me , forged in a friendship by my parents frances and "Hank" Schmiegel with Lois and Paul Arnold in 1949 at Burtonwood air force base in Warrington England. Our 2 families were inseperable those 3 wonderful years and the friendship endured in our coast to coast cards and letters.All 4 have passed now but rejoined in eternal friendship in a better place
Tom and Karen schmiegel
April 3, 2014
Grandma... You were, and still are the rock for the family. I know your up stairs painfree and peaceful now, making lunch sandwiches, playing trivia pursuit and helping your grand kids make sleep-over forts. Thank you for listening to my stories and for teaching us about family values and humility. I'll forever be grateful for the memories we shared. I'm honored to carry you away and lay you to rest next to Grandpa. Love you so much.
Aaron Boatman
April 2, 2014
Blessings to u all.
Jeannie St George
April 2, 2014
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! I have some amazing memories of her when I was little, she and the rest of the Arnold family welcomed me as part of the family and I will never forget that.
Shanno Byrd
April 2, 2014
I was blessed to have a gramma who took me in as her own. She wasn't just a gramma but she was my mom. And an so blessed to have such an amazing guardian angel watching over me.
Christi
April 2, 2014
My precious mother,
I am going to miss you more than words can express.
You have been the foundation that held us together.
I pray to God that I'll be with you someday.
I love you, JoAnn
April 2, 2014
If roses grow in Heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my Mother's arms and tell her they're from me. Tell her I love her and miss her and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her awhile. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there's an ache within my heart that will never go away. love always, Bootsi
Lois Boatman
April 2, 2014
I was blessed to have such a wonderful Mother-in-law. She was loving and supportive, often telling Bob he should buy me whatever I wanted. (including a tiara)
I too was force fed sandwiches no matter how many times I told her "Mom, I don't like sandwiches". She did know that I did not like raisins and pineapple in my coleslaw and would make a special batch just for me.
We will truly miss her, but she is with her other family now in a place where she can garden, sew, and paint to her hearts content. Love you Mom, Linda
April 2, 2014
Dear Arnold Family...We were sorrowed to hear of your mother's passing. She was one of our favorite people. We always remember her comment after having referred her to a YOUNG Oral Surgeon...
" I have shoes older than he is..."
We will say a prayer for her..
Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Mascari
April 2, 2014
Love you Gram ! (GG)
Brandon, Jenna & Ryder Gronlund
April 1, 2014
Thank you to everyone for all the kind emails and calls to the family. They are truly appreciated. I was lucky to be raised by such a wonderful mother. I love her and will miss her forever. I will also miss being force fed sandwiches every time I stopped by her house, whether I was hungry or not.
Mom, you are in a better place now. Love Bob
April 1, 2014
Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Apr
4
9:00 a.m.
Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504
Funeral services provided by:
Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more