Alice Nobles Arn

Alice Nobles Arn, 80, of Washington, IL passed away April 22, 2025. She spent her last days surrounded by her most treasured loved ones.
Born February 26, 1945 to Tom and Zula Nobles in Montezuma, TN, she moved to Illinois with her parents and brothers, Jack and Adron, when she was 4-years old. They all preceded her in death. She made Washington her home for most of her life.
After graduating from Washington Community High School in 1963, she attended Bradley University before marrying Ralph Estenson in 1964. They had two daughters, Laurie & Ginny. They later divorced but kept a friendship. He survives along with his partner, Margaret, who has also been a part of what Alice called her eclectic family. Alice married Roger Arn in 1983. They spent one wonderful year together before his death.
Alice provided a creative and loving environment for her girls, often sewing matching clothes, baking cookies, and throwing epic birthday parties. She loved hosting and was often the life of the party.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open Alice's Wonderland of Gifts out of her home, selling handmade gifts from across the country. Later she entered sales, first as a Realtor and then in newspaper and radio advertising. She retired from CityLink as the Sales and Marketing Director.
Alice loved books and was a devoted supporter of the Washington District Public Library. When her girls were little, she often took them to the children's section in the basement of the original location on Walnut Street. Later, when the library moved to 5 Points, she was elected to the Library Board and implemented extending hours for more people to access the many resources the library offers.
In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling to Seattle, tending her herb garden, knitting, meeting friends for coffee, and sitting in the front row of Peoria Cornstock performances. She also loved word games and played countless rounds of Scrabble with whoever was willing.
Alice treasured her role as Nana to David Bouton (Jinaye), Ava Woo and Gus Woo. They all surrounded her with immense care, love and devotion during her final days.
In addition to her daughters and grandkids, Alice is survived by son-in-law, Andy Woo, niece Anissa Moore (Chip), great grand-nephew Nolan, bonus family; Jennifer, Steve & Brice Banning, Amy, Ethan & Aaron Campbell.
Alice recently celebrated her 80th birthday and appreciated every text, phone call, card, gift and visitor. She always said to her daughters, "Leave the party while you're still having fun!" We believe she took her own advice as even on her last day with us she was smiling. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Bridge United Methodist Church, where she was a proud charter member or to the Washington District Library. In her memory, read a banned book, dance to your favorite song, and show kindness to a stranger.
A Celebration of Life will be held May 8, 2025 at Evangelical United Methodist Church in Washington. The family will receive friends at 4:00pm and a service will begin at 5:00pm. A dinner will follow immediately in the fellowship hall.