Arlene Grugle of Southbury died peacefully on December 29, surrounded by her family.

Her husband of 63 years, John "Jack"; her daughter, Kathryn Wolf and husband Scott of Newtown; her daughter-in-law, Kim Grugle; three granddaughters, Elizabeth Wolf, Carolyn Wolf, and Alison Grugle; one grandson, Peter Grugle and wife Lauren; one great-grandson, as well as many nieces and nephews survive her.

Her beloved son, who she missed greatly, Robert "Bob" Grugle; her parents, Edith and Milton Smith; and her sister, Helen Strunk, predeceased her.

Ms Grugle grew up in South Euclid, Ohio, and after graduating from Brush High School, became a legal secretary to a prestigious law firm in Cleveland. She and Jack married in 1954, and Ms Grugle began living where Jack was stationed at Fort Carson Army Hospital in Manitou Springs, Colo. Following the army, they moved back to the Cleveland area where she became a private secretary, and they started their family.

While living in Lyndhurst, Ohio, Ms Grugle became very involved with many giving organizations. She was her church school's superintendent and Sunday school teacher for many years, and served as a member of the local YWCA board of directors.

She and Jack retired to Spofford, N.H., where she was a member of the Cheshire Historical Society for many years. She enjoyed planning events, and especially enjoyed organizing the very successful "Chocolate Tasting Marathon" fundraiser, where people donated their favorite chocolate dessert and voted on their favorites. She belonged to the Keene Old Homestead Garden Club and during her 12 years of membership served on many committees. She was one of the original members who developed the Ashuelat River Park.

Originally a tire dump, after many hours of planning, loving care, and development, this area was turned into a beautiful arboretum, winning a national beautification award. Ms Grugle was also a member of the Cheshire Quilting Group, making lap quilts for shut-ins, as well as crocheting and knitting prayer shawls for her church.

She was a beautiful painter and artist, and especially enjoyed making crafts. She was very proud of the holiday aprons she sewed for 40 of her friends.

Ms Grugle will be remembered best for her love of family and friends, who she treasured dearly. She thanked God for the beautiful gift of life that she enjoyed so much. Her loved ones say "It would make her very happy if you could please remember her as your friend."

Calling hours are at Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, Southbury, on Tuesday, January 2, from 4 to 6 pm.

Her funeral service will be conducted at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook, on Wednesday, January 3, at 10 am. Burial will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.