Arlene Enns

1936 - 2017

Wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Arlene Enns went home to her Savior on June 20, 2017 after succumbing to complications from Lewy Body Dementia. Arlene was proceeded in death by her husband Don Enns, sister Hazel McMeekin, brother Bob Jennings, mother Agnes Jennings, father Ralph Jennings, 2 infant brothers Earl and Richard and granddaughter Ashleigh Villagomez.

Arlene was born in Rugby, North Dakota on March 13, 1936 to Ralph and Agnes Jennings. She was the 7th out of eight siblings. Arlene grew up on a farm in Rugby, N.D. where her dad, Ralph, farmed and her mom, Agnes, ran the household. She attended Lincoln School #1 and Rugby High School (Class of '54). During High School she participated in 4-H, YCL, F.E. & C.U. of A., Luther League and Chorus. Arlene was baptized on April 27, 1946 and confirmed on May 13, 1951 at First Lutheran Church in Rugby and was proud of her Norwegian heritage.

Arlene loved camping at Balch Park, Mammoth Pools and Shaver Lake with her husband, kids and grandkids. Arlene took the grandkids with her to Pismo Coast Village every Easter and Summer break since 1988. She loved playing scrabble, cards, bingo and chinese checkers with the grandkids. The grandkids favorite meals at the beach were baked potatoes with chili beans and cheese, waffles with strawberries and whipped cream and trips to Klondikes. Arlene also shared her love of sewing, baking, and crafts with her children, grandkids and neighborhood children.

Arlene attended Minot State Teacher's College and taught one year at Brazil School #1 in 1955-1956 before moving to Bakersfield in June, 1956. Arlene met many new friends while working at AC Electric as a bookkeeper for 5 years as well as at Frank Amestoy's where she met and eventually married Don Enns in 1961.

Arlene was a lifetime member of the Longfellow PTA and was employed as a Teacher's Aid at Longfellow Elementary School. She retired in January, 1995 after 19 years of service.

Arlene was a member at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She was involved in WELCA, the OK Club, FAB, the Church Rummage Sale, Jack Cantrell's Adult Bible School, and Thrivent. She spent many years sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief as well as toiletry bags for local shelters.

Arlene is survived by her siblings Mildred Papasergia, Dorothy Busch and Errol Jennings, daughters Paula Harris and Diana Enns Buford, sons Reverend Cameron Enns and Ronald Enns, son-in-laws Wes Harris and John Buford, daughter-in-laws Laura Enns and Shellie Enns, grandchildren Nikki Kaltenberg, Jessica Harris, Brienne Ramey, Alyssa Bispo, Brock Baize, Alan Villagomez, Aaron Enns and Austin Enns. Arlene is also survived by 9 great grandchildren.

Arlene left this earth after being surrounded by her family. The last four years were especially difficult for Arlene. A special thanks to The Hallmark Assisted Living Facility, Pacifica Senior Care Living and ultimately, The Trinity Residential Care Facility and Optimal Hospice. We are forever greatful.

A final thanks to all of Arlene's life long friends from the farm, her early years in California, and through the friendships formed while at Longfellow Elementary School and church. You were loved and will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1900 Baker Street, Bakersfield, CA on Thursday, July 6th at 10:00 am followed by Interment for Arlene and Don at Greenlawn Cemetery, River Blvd. Friday, July 7th at 9:30 am.

www.bakersfield.com/obits