Glenna Jean Arnold passed away at age ninety-one on Monday, January
2, 2023, in Chesterton, Indiana. She lived a life of beauty and grace,
bringing joy to the hearts of all who knew her. Born in Chicago on
September 12, 1931, as the only child of Glenn and Iva Arnold, they
recognized her musical abilities with the gift of a piano on her
graduation from the eighth grade. Whether teaching missionary kids to
play, accompanying congregational singing, or simply playing hymn after
hymn from memory for her own enjoyment, the music kept flowing
right into the last days of her life.
Glenna’s heart and home were always open to both stranger and friend.
No matter if she were in the suburbs of Chicago, the rolling hills of
Michigan, the jungles of Indonesia, the green firs of Washington, or the
deserts of Arizona, her home was a beautiful sanctuary to all who
entered. There was always a bed ready for a guest, room for an extra
seat at the table, and plenty of good home cooking. The freezer never
lacked for pies or a wealth of homemade cookies, because a meal
should always end “with a little something sweet.”
Glenna’s hands were also busy in every good way, creating a functional
and lovely home. Sewing and crocheting expressed her love in practical
and beautiful means. She refinished furniture and added the final polish
to Gus’s many home remodeling projects. Although willing to serve
others in almost any way, she drew the line at a game of Scrabble or
Upwords, where she always went for the win.
Glenna was married to Gerald (Gus) Arnold on June 2, 1951. Together
last summer they celebrated seventy-one years of marriage. Their
children are Gwen (married to Michael), Gordon (married to Ester), Gary
(who preceded her in death at age six), and Gene (married to Jennifer).
She had great joy in her ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In addition, there are many Irian Jaya missionary kids who still fondly
call her “Aunt Glenna.”
Glenna’s greatest wish in life was for others to know her Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the family invites those who might wish
to give a gift in her memory do so to one of the many good mission
organizations ministering to those at the ends of the earth.
We share great tips on creating your life’s story,
and how to pre-arrange dynamic memorials!
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Glenna was a sweet, kind, generous person and an example to all of us as to how we as Christian women should conduct ourselves. She was the perfect mother-in-law for our daughter Jennifer. I loved her very much (even when she beat me at Scrabble and Upwards.). We have missed her and Gus at our table at our thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas dinners in years passed. She was welcomed home, I am sure, with “a good and faithful servant” chorus Good bye, sweet Glenna …
Love
Jan Bailey
Glenna was my First Cousin. I played my Cornet at she and Gus’s wedding reception!! Glenna was an Arnold, and she married Gus Arnold, who was no relationship to we Arnold’s!! Glenna & Gus met in college ! She was from Illinois, and Gus was from Washington State!
They were such dear cousins of mine ! They, in their younger years, were missionaries in Indonesia!!
Thanks For Listening!!
Chuck Arnold