Arlene Melendy, age 97, of Otis, Colorado passed away March 15 at Washington County Nursing Home. Arlene was born January 2, 1926. She was the sixth child born to Stanley R and Clara Rose Brittenham Grandstaff at their home in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Arlene graduated high school from Maxwell, Nebraska. She attended Kearney State Teacher's College and taught at Wildhorse Valley for two years. She married Kenneth Melendy January 27, 1946 and moved to their farm north of Otis. They lived on the farm until Kenneth's retirement and moved into Otis.

Arlene was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served many offices through the years. She accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior at an early age and tried to live the rest of her life faithfully serving Him until she was called home.

Arlene enjoyed her family and being a homemaker. She loved to cook, traveling to Branson, Missouri and making ceramics. Arlene was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #181.

Arlene is survived by her daughters, Colleen Boltjes of Sidney, Nebraska and Carol and husband Randy Feather of Otis, Colorado; grandchildren Anthony (Kristin) Boltjes, Janice (Doug) Cates, Jennifer (Greg) Biga, Justin (Katherine) Feather, Jesse (Julia) Feather; eighteen great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Florence (John) Shetler as well as extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Clara Grandstaff, husband, Kenneth, a son Stephen, son-in-law Kelvin Boltjes, granddaughter Brenda Boltjes, granddaughter in law, Tiffany Feather and siblings: Forrest, Floyd "Cac", Stanley Jr., Phyllis, Mildred, Ethel, Harold and Wanda; sister-in-law and brother -in- law Donna and Wilmer Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Otis. Burial will be at the Otis Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Otis Cemetery or the Otis Volunteer Fire Department for the Christmas Candy Run.