Arleen G. Lake

Arleen G. Lake, age 89, of Versailles, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2015. She was born August 10, 1926, in Versailles, a daughter of the late Aubrey and Gorda Sims. In February of 1951, she was united in marriage to Robert Kidwell, who preceded her in death in 1978. In September of 1978, she was united in marriage to Thomas Ed Lake, who preceded her in death on May 31, 2014. Arleen spent one summer at Northeast Missouri State Teachers college in Kirksville, one summer at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar and about nine summers at Central Missouri State Teachers College in Warrensburg. She completed the requirements for a bachelors degree in education, graduating in July of 1957. In September of 1945, she began her first teaching assignment at Lone Oak. She spent twelve years teaching in various country schools in the area. In 1957, upon graduating from college, the schools consolidated and she began teaching first grade at the Versailles Elementary school. She taught a total of thirty-seven years, retiring in 1982. She began her second career at the Versailles Walmart as a greeter, where she worked for over twenty years. At Walmart, she enjoyed seeing and visiting with her former students and watching their families grow. Arleen was a member of the Versailles United Methodist Church and the Glensted United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Niangua Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Missouri State Teachers Association, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star. She had a passion and keen eye for photography. For many years, the television station, KRCG 13 would air many photos she submitted. Ed and Arleen resided at the Kidwell Home in Versailles since March of 2011. While living there, they were twice named, "Sweethearts of the Year". She is survived by her son, James Lake of Jefferson City, Missouri; niece, Rita Simmons and husband Carl Jr. of Holts Summit, Missouri; nephews, Harvey Yarnell and wife Crystal of Versailles, Missouri, Bill Kidwell and wife Joan of Versailles, Missouri, Scott Lake and wife Carolyn of Versailles, Missouri, Mark Lake and wife Donita of Versailles, Missouri and niece, Carla Herndon and husband James of Versailles, Missouri and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lora Lee Lake and her sister, Ilene Yarnell. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 17, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Lora Cunningham officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Versailles Cemetery Association or the Glensted Cemetery Association. Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.