Andrew G. Arends

Andrew G. Arends Andrew George Arends, 89, of Claremont went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2008. He was born on January 9, 1919 in Rosemont, Nebraska. Andy traveled the United States in his youth, and joined the Army in 1941. He became a prisoner of war in World War II, serving 3 1/2 years of confinement in the Pacific. After his Army discharge, he returned to Nebraska and married Luella Steckley. The family moved to California in 1953, and Andy remained in the Pomona Valley area for the next 55 years and attended Claremont Bible Chapel. Andy spent the majority of his working years in automotive services, but his real love in life was to preach the gospel. He was involved in youth outreach and camp work for many years, and in his retirement years served as a chaplain at the Chino men's prison. As a widower in his later years, he married Josephine Valentine in 1995. They became residents of the Western Assemblies Home in Claremont in 2005. Andy was known for his kindness, gentle spirit, and kee n sense of humor. He is survived by his five children: Dale (Rozi) Arends of Puyallup, Washington; Carolyn Phillips of Montclair; Susan Gillett of Springfield, Colorado; Gary (Ilona) Arends of Alta Loma; and Loretta Unruh of Flagler, Colorado. Andy is also survived by his grandchildren: Dale Arends, Jr. of Everett, Washington; Melanie Lowey of Spanaway, Washington; Tiffany Ledington of Montclair; Nicole and Michelle Phillips of Montclair; Tara Arbuthnot of Goodwell, Oklahoma; Troy Gillett of Plantation, Florida; and Julianne, Katherine, and William Arends of Alta Loma. Andy is also survived by a sister, Johanna Douglas of Escondido, and several nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Viewing will be Thursday, October 9, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Todd Memorial Chapel in Claremont. Burial is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on October 10 at the Riverside National Ceremony, and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, at Claremont Bible Chape l in Claremont.