Arlene (Beckwith) Emly, 96, died peacefully in Tacoma, Washington on August 5, 2017 after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her son Wayne Dean Emly (1953).  On-line condolences may be left at the Tuell-McKee Funeral Home website.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Oscar, of 71 years; six children, Kenneth (Valerie) Emly, Kathryn (James) Roskens, Mark (Maxine) Emly, Carole (Curt) Buchholz, Audrey (Robert) Welch, and Virginia Emly, 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Dean Beckwith, Duane Beckwith, sisters Phyllis Finster, Ellen White.

Arlene and Oscar resided in Dell Rapids, SD, for 60 years before spending the next decade at Maple Grove, MN, finally moving to an assisted living home in Tacoma, WA.

Arlene met Oscar in Aberdeen, SD, during his training to become a radio operator with the Army Air Corps. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern State College and taught physics and chemistry in Webster, SD while waiting for Oscar to return from the Pacific theatre during World War II.

Arlene was co-owner with Oscar of the Dells Bakery and served as the bookkeeper/accountant until it was sold and they retired in 1985. She and Oscar participated as small business owners in the community and helped with church and school fund-raising projects throughout busy years of raising their children. Arlene enjoyed studying and teaching Bible classes, photography, crocheting, reading, playing Bridge, and visiting family. She and Oscar spent their retirement years traveling throughout the country and relocated in 1996 to MN where she became an avid Minneapolis Twins fan. She is also fondly remembered by many around the world for her crocheted hats which are keeping hundreds of heads warm.

To honor her lifelong faith in the Lord and service with the American Baptist Church, please make any donations to: Camp Judson (campjudson.org) 12965 Old Hill City Rd, Keystone, SD 57751