Arlene Camper

Arlene Camper passed away on November 17, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Arlene was born Fern Arlene Clanton on February 1, 1933, in Rock Island, IL, to Logan and Virginia Clanton. She graduated with honors from Rock Island High School, and while there she met and fell in love with John Camper, who was attending Roosevelt Military Academy in nearby Aledo, IL. They married on March 10, 1951.

John joined the U.S. Army, and Arlene began what would become a 24-year commitment to serving as a military wife. Together they were assigned to numerous military bases, where Arlene often worked full-time in various occupations. While living in Japan, she gave birth to Cynthia Diane, who died in infancy. In 1959, while John was serving a tour of duty in Korea, Arlene gave birth to son John. In 1965, Arlene and John adopted a daughter, Susan Jennifer, an orphan from Korea.

In 1972, while John was serving a tour of duty in Vietnam and the family was living in Davenport, Iowa, Arlene returned to school to earn her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse, spending the next several years in the nursing profession. Upon John's retirement from the military, and while living in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Arlene also earned her real estate license.

John's job in banking took the family to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1975, where Arlene began working with the Colorado State University Extension Service, providing dietary assistance to needy residents of Mesa County. In 1979, John's profession took them to Helena, Montana, where they lived for the next 33 years.

While in Helena, Arlene began volunteering for St. Peter's Hospital, but in typical fashion her exemplary work ethic resulted in full-time employment as their Volunteer Coordinator. Excelling in that role, it wasn't long before she was appointed the Public Relations and Marketing Director, a position she held until her retirement.

Arlene and John were very active in their Helena church and community. Arlene served on numerous boards and commissions, volunteered for the Helena Police Department, and helped sponsor the annual Western Rendezvous of Art. Arlene was active in Rotary and provided key support to John while he served as Montana District Governor in 1998-1999. She also partnered with John in the operation of a consulting business, Camper Communications. Together they enjoyed many travel adventures, as well as social and outdoor activities in Montana. In 2012, they moved back to Grand Junction to be closer to family.

After 64 years of marriage, John passed away in 2015, and in 2018 Arlene joined son John and his wife Teresa in moving to Lakewood, CO, where she resided until her death. Arlene is survived by John and Teresa Camper of Lakewood, as well as grandchildren Rebecca and Christopher Molstad of Littleton, and Julie and Peter Baumgartner of Littleton. She is great-grandmother to Claire, Matthew, and Anna. She is also survived by her sister and best friend Ruthanne Free of Clive, Iowa, and brother Garrett Clanton of Daphne, Alabama, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband John, daughter Susan Jennifer, and infant daughter Cynthia Diane.

A Celebration of Life will take place on December 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO. Arlene's family is extremely grateful for the loving care that she received at Willowbrook Place Memory Care, and in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to "Willowbrook Place," 5275 S. Kipling Pkwy, Littleton, CO 80127, specifying "Camper Employee Appreciation Fund," in the memo line.

Service to be live streamed at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=989f65fb-a095-4c6f-ad6f-880b3bca4a18