Arlene Joyce Cartmell

Arlene Joyce (Berg) Cartmell passed away after a brief illness on June 10, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on August 13, 1933, in Skedee, Oklahoma, to Elmer Valentine Berg and Lela May (Phillips) Berg. Arlene lived a life marked by determination, creativity, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. Known for her quick wit, gift for storytelling, generous spirit, and caring demeanor, Arlene leaves behind countless memories that will be cherished by family and friends for years to come.

She was preceded in death by her one true love and husband of 67 years, Richard Cartmell, who passed away in 2019. They were married on September 29, 1951, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Soon after their marriage, Richard was called to duty in Korea, and Arlene remained at home as a young Army wife during the Korean War era. While her newly married husband served his country, Arlene shouldered the responsibilities and sacrifices that military families know well. Throughout her life, she championed the quiet sacrifices of women whose strength, devotion, and emotional labor so often go unnoticed. Her early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse, where she attended through the eighth grade. She later graduated from Pawnee High School in 1951. Even as a young woman, Arlene stood out for her creativity and sense of style. She loved fashion, enjoyed sewing her own clothing, and had an eye for decorating that could turn any house into a home. These talents remained a source of pride and enjoyment throughout her life. It was during these years that she met Richard, the boy who would become her high school sweetheart, husband, and lifelong companion. Their love story spanned nearly seven decades and remained the foundation of their family. They eventually established their home in Pawnee. As her children grew older, Arlene brought her strong work ethic and sharp business sense to the family's business ventures. She played a major role in the operation of a local Pawnee business and later helped manage rental properties she and Richard owned together. Arlene had a gift for bringing people together and making life festive. Whether through the old-time dances she and Richard organized, community events, or family gatherings, she found joy in creating opportunities for others to connect. Holidays were especially important to her, and she took great pride in filling her home with decorations, traditions, laughter, turkey stuffing, and homemade apple pies. More than anything, however, she treasured the family gathered around her table. Halloween was one of Arlene's favorite holidays. For generations of local children, she was known simply as "The Popcorn Ball Lady," delighting trick-or-treaters with the homemade treats that became one of her cherished traditions. Arlene was known to delight family and friends by singing "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." It seems fitting to believe that those boots carried her home at last, where Richard was waiting to welcome her.

Arlene is survived by her children, Richard Cartmell, Jr. and Nadya, Randy Cartmell and Cindy, Dr. Steven Cartmell and Melissa, and Sonya Barnett and husband Gene; her grandchildren, Ricky Cartmell, Aaron Cartmell, Brady Cartmell, Misty Koelling, Zach Cartmell, Anna Westhoff, Rachel Sires, Cody Carter, Talisa Zahariadis, and Morgan Kaiser; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and relatives.