Golda Arlene Teeter

Golda Arlene Teeter, lovingly known as Arlene, Shorty, or Aunt Lene, was born on November 24, 1936, in Edwards, Missouri, to Hubert E. Arnett and Audrey M. (Johns) Arnett.

Arlene spent her younger years in Edwards before moving with her parents and siblings, Barbara and Bill, to Chehalis, Washington. As a young girl, she dreamed of growing up to have four children and lots of chickens. She loved sharing stories about the classroom she attended and walking to and from school or on the back of her dad’s horse. Arlene had so many loving memories of her years in Missouri.

In her senior year at Chehalis High School, she was voted “most bashful” and remembered as “the original sweet thing” in the 1954 yearbook — a description that remained true throughout her life.

A couple years after graduating high school, Arlene met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” J. Teeter, a handsome redhead. They were married on December 28, 1957, in Chehalis, Washington. Bob was drafted into the military in 1958 and stationed in Novato, California. Arlene joined him after his six weeks of boot camp and worked as a bank teller until the birth of their first child. They moved back to Lewis County after Bob’s honorable discharge in late 1960.

In 1963, Arlene and Bob settled in Tumwater, Washington, where they built a home on “the hill” that they remodeled and where they raised their three children.

Arlene worked for several years as a bookkeeper for Arnett’s Trailer Sales before becoming a business owner. In 1970, she and Bob purchased JB’s Western Wear in the South Sound Mall, later relocating the store to 6th Avenue in Lacey. She operated the business for 12 years, building lasting friendships with many in the community, before selling it in 1982 due to health concerns.

Arlene was also known for being impeccably “put together” - the hair, makeup, clothing and jewelry was just right and always classy. She was also known for her incredible cooking and baking skills. Her lasagna, fried chicken, baked beans, chicken and dumplings, homemade pies, chocolate cake, peanut butter fudge, and strawberry pizza were family favorites, and no one ever left her home hungry—or without leftovers. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting intricate blankets for her loved ones. In later years, she developed a talent for creating beautiful handmade greeting cards.

Above all, Arlene’s greatest pride and joy were her five grandchildren and great grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with them at her home having tea parties when they were wee, attending their sporting events, celebrating birthdays, and supporting them in all they did. She was lovingly known as Grandma, G-Ma, Granny, and Reg or Reginald.

Arlene also treasured the time she spent with dear friends, including Shirley, Barbara, Marilyn, Muriel, Sharon, Ardell, and Marty sharing laughter, recipes, and wild stories and outings over the years.

She is deeply missed by her three children: Tammy Teeter (Mike Simmons), Wayde Teeter (Sandy Teeter), and Waylon Teeter; her five grandchildren: Kalen Olinger (Erin Griffin), Kolton Olinger (Jess Weiler), Bailey Swindler (Dan Wojciechowski), Wayde Visser, and Jami Simmons (Travis McGee); and her seven great-grandchildren: Ruby, Bear, Raelyn, Cedar, Phoebe, Freya, and Madden; her sister-in-law, Dorothy LeDuc; nieces, Jo Lundgren, Ann LeDuc, Brooke Dixon, Brenda Meyer, Terri Arnett and Marie Arnett; and nephews, Bret Arnett, Rick LeDuc, Tom LeDuc, Brad LeDuc and Paul LeDuc; as well as many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh & Audrey Arnett; her beloved husband, Bob Teeter; her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Jim Dixon; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Ruby Arnett; and her nephews, Eric Arnett and David Lundgren.

Arlene was the heart of her family, always welcoming others into her home with warmth and generosity. Though she lived with dementia in her later years, she never lost her connection to those she loved. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love will be remembered always.

Her family would also like to thank Lidia’s Adult Family Home and her kind caretakers. They loved her and took wonderful care of her over the last 4 1/2 years.