ARDEN ATHERTON

ARDEN ATHERTON, 80, passed away Monday, March 14, 2011, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born June 11, 1930, as Alyce Arden Atherton, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of Raymond Staley and Alyce (Westfall) Porter. She graduated from North Side High School, class of 1948. She worked as a Media Specialist with Arlington Elementary School for 34 years, she also worked at the Dariy Queen on Maplecrest Road for eight years. She worked until she was 80 years of age, and only quit due to her recent illness. She volunteered at The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and made a lifelong commitment to children and reading. Surviving are her husband of 53 years, David Atherton; sons, John (Lora Belland) Mastrangeli of Dallas, Texas and David Atherton of Yoder; daughters, Charlotte (Tony Buckhardt) Heaston of Saint Joe, Ind. and Mary Atherton of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Mark, Scott and Jill Mastrangeli, Jessica Heaston, Samantha, Dustin, and Eden Buckhardt, and Shawn Atherton; nephews, Dan and Mark Staley; dear friend, Jean Lee; and her loving dog, Tonka. She was preceeded in death by her brother, Paul Staley. A Celebration of Life service is 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011, at Faith Baptist Church, 6600 Trier Road, with calling 1/2 hour prior to service. The Rev. Steven Roper officiating. A reception will follow service. It is requested that you wear bright color clothes and bring your happy faces along with an upbeat attitude and your favorite memories. A private burial at Lindenwood will be conducted. In lieu of flowers, please bring a copy of your favorite book, including children's books, to the memorial. The books will be donated in Arden's memory to the Women's Shelter. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.mccombandsons.com