Arliss L. Davis, age 78, of Marion, died Wednesday evening, October 22, 2014, at home surrounded by her loving family following a year and a half battle with cancer.
On October 6, 1936, Arliss was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, one of eight children of the late Emory and Minnie (Buchholtz) Wells. As a family, they moved to Stevensville, Michigan, when she was only 6 years old. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in the class of 1955.
After graduation, Arliss worked at the Whirlpool Corporation in St. Joseph, Michigan, as a receptionist. A young gentleman who was on assignment at the research center, James E. Davis, kept noticing her as he came and went from work. They began spending time together and the rest is history. Shortly thereafter they were married on March 5, 1960, in Stevensville, Michigan, and she would join him on his journey with Whirlpool to Marion, Ohio, in 1962. They shared over 54 wonderful years of marriage.
A member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion, Arliss developed a very strong faith and trusting relationship with God.
In addition to being a loving homemaker for Jim and her children, Arliss also helped to establish the Golden Buckeye program in Ohio in the 1980’s. Later, she helped with bookkeeping at the Marion Senior Center. She also volunteered as a TWIG at Marion General Hospital, and helped at River Valley High School anywhere she was needed to be a part of her children’s activities there.
To say Arliss was an avid reader was an understatement. She read anything she could get her hands on, and often read a book a day.
Having a heart of gold, Arliss was always there for her family and friends any time they needed anything. She had a way of providing just what you needed, and always did so behind the scenes never wanting any praise or credit.
Arliss kept you on your toes. She had an incredible sense of humor, which at times could be unique and irreverent, but most often she just her ornery fun loving self.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, James E. Davis of Marion; three children: Sharon (Randy) Potts of Marion, Laura Detweiler of Delaware, and James E. (Krista) Davis Jr. of Galena; five grandchildren: Steve Potts, Rick (Jennifer) Potts, Meredith Detweiler, and Andrew and Katie Davis; two great-grandchildren: Conner and Taylor Potts; a brother, Kenneth Wells of Lady Lakes, FL; two sisters: Roberta Cromwell of St. Joseph, MI, and Terri Slabaugh of Baroda, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her parents, Arliss was preceded in death by three brothers: David, Clayton and Ted Wells; and a sister, Velma Jensen.
Her family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Memorial services honoring her life will also be held there at 11 a.m. on Friday, with Pastor Kevin Kehn officiating. Inurnment will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 S. Prospect St., Marion, OH 43302, and Heartland Hospice, 685 Delaware Ave., Marion, OH 43302.
On behalf of her family, they would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone at Heartland Hospice for their tender loving care of Arliss.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Arliss’ family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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