Arlene King

1935 - 2025

Arlene King
October 20, 1935 - April 22, 2025
Evelyn Arlene King (Tolar) passed away on April 22, 2025, in Yakima, Washington. She passed peacefully with family by her side. Arlene was born in Leavenworth, Washington, to J.D. and Ester King on October 20, 1935.
Arlene took great pride in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson. Her strength, love, and grace touched everyone who knew her. She carried our family with quiet courage, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. She loved to garden and grew a tomato tree that was bigger around and taller than she was. She took great pride that each spring she would have lots of tomatoes to share with family and friends. Her gardening skills inspired others and brought joy to her community.
After graduating from beauty school, she opened her own salon called the Unicorn in East Wenatchee. If you came in to get a haircut before a job interview, she told her clients it's important to set a good first impression, so there was no charge. This was one example of how her love and caring for other people was expressed. She cared.
Arlene is survived by her son, Jim Tolar (Tammy); and daughter, Denise Tolar; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is also survived by a brother, Richard King (Scottie); and a sister, Leanna Searles (David). She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, who were very dear to her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to Cancer Research (Leukemia And Lymphoma). A cause close to her heart. Watching her great-grandson bravely battle cancer was one of the hardest things she ever faced. Supporting this cause is a way to honor her deep compassion and unwavering hope for a cure. Thank you for helping us carry her love forward.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 26, 1 p.m. at Chapel of the Valley, 378 East Wenatchee. The family requests to dress in spring colors because springtime was her favorite time of the year.