Arla Mae "Lewis" Kunkel

Arla Mae (Lewis) Kunkel

Of Harpursville

Arla Mae (Lewis) Kunkel, 88, of Harpursville, New York, passed peacefully at home to be with her Savior on Wed. January 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Arla was a woman of deep and unwavering faith in God, whose life reflected the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman-loving, generous, devoted, wise, thoughtful, kind, caring, and strong.

Born on October 8, 1937, to William Lewis and Lottie (Appley) Lewis, Arla graduated from Harpursville High School. She first met Lynwood Frank Kunkel as a fifth-grade classmate, and they later married on July 25, 1954, at the Harpursville Methodist Church, beginning a life together that would span more than seven decades.

Arla devoted her life to her home and family, faithfully supporting her husband's career as a well-respected railroad engineer while raising their children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jean Lewis; her beloved eldest daughter, Merna (Kunkel) Isabell; and Merna's beloved companion, Bernard O'Rourke, who was dear to the family.

She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Lynwood; her children, Cynthia and Michael (Nongnit); her grandchildren, Dan, Laurie (Seth), and their father, Kevin Isabell (Cecilia), Krystal (Todd), and Travis (Abigail) and their mother, Dawn; her great-grandchildren, Alex, Allena, Ephram, Lily, Abby, and Christian; as well as a much-loved extended family.

Arla and Lynwood shared a life rooted in partnership, faith, and adventure, loving to travel together-much of it by motorhome-wherever the road led them, visiting every state in the United States. Arla especially loved the ocean and taught her family to appreciate its beauty while respecting its power.

Arla also enjoyed reading, writing witty poetry, arranging her ornate dollhouses, collecting antiques-often perusing yard sales and thrift shops for unique finds-and was an accomplished seamstress. Her home was warm and welcoming, and she insisted on fixing you something to eat the minute you walked through the door. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was a great listener, and found joy in sunset rides in her convertible, complete with a scarf and oversized sunglasses in place.

She embodied a balance that endeared her to many. Arla was down to earth and loved nature-camping, catching bugs and frogs, and swimming in the creek-yet she also cherished fine china and crystal and dressed with grace and elegance for church and special occasions. She had a lifelong affection for cats, many of whom seemed to find her, including her beloved companion, Sterling.

Family and friends are invited to gather at West Windsor Baptist Church, 166 N. Road, Windsor, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with calling hours from 11:00 a.m. to 12 Noon, followed by funeral services to honor and celebrate Arla's life. All are warmly invited to a luncheon at the church following the service.

Online condolences may be made at: www.omaddenfh.com. Arrangements by the Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home 69-71 Maple Street Harpursville. A MADDEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME.