Arlene Miner
Generous, joyful and gracious, Arlene Zacher Miner brightened her world with a welcoming smile that warmed other’s worlds as well. On Monday, January 2, 2023, Arlene passed away at age 88, surrounded by the love of her family.
Arlene created a home that the neighborhood kids were drawn to: to swim in the pool, jump off the rope-swing into piles of leaves, cook in her kitchen and sleep overnight in the treehouse. Others knew her welcoming nature from the inclusiveness that was always happy to take in one more new-to-the-area person for Thanksgiving, even if it meant the feast was enjoyed around the ping pong table!
A broad range of skills and interests helped Arlene navigate and appreciate so many of life’s pleasures. She delighted in identifying bird and tree species and always kept nature guides and binoculars close at hand in a kitchen drawer. She read widely, loved photographing nature and regularly skunked all others at card games. As a young wife and mother in the ‘50s and ‘60s, she cooked and baked from scratch, and, true to her generation, mastered the art of jello recipes in the ’70s! She sewed, tended plants and flowers, and with her husband, Bill, took her kids camping across the US and later, rafting down the Colorado River. And she did it all with an effortless, sparkling “Doris Day” beauty, for which she never sought attention.
Arlene’s giving personality and abundant energy drew her towards many forms of volunteering: leading the Girl Scout troop, assisting the League of Women Voters, the Garden Club and serving in the Christian Science churches where she was a member in the many towns in which she lived.
A sense of adventure, trust and independence was central to Arlene’s 53-year marriage to William (Bill) H. Miner. They met in their high school junior English class at Principia Upper School in St Louis, MO, and were married five years later in Arlene’s hometown of Chicago. Life together centered on loving one another, their children and their church.
After individual careers, Arlene and Bill joined together to run a travel business, helping others to do what they valued – connecting with family and friends and exploring and appreciating the world. In retirement, they took time to play together, selling their home and hitting the road to explore the United States in a motor coach for seven years, making friends wherever the road took them.
Arlene was predeceased by her son, Tommy, and her lifelong sweetheart Bill. She is survived by her Miner children: Doug, Steve, Polly (Mahoney) and Sally (Walters), and her nine grandchildren.
A celebration of the light-filled lives of both Arlene and Bill will occur this spring at Queeny Park in St. Louis County. The family looks forward to dedicating a bench and tree in their honor and reminiscing with friends and family over a breakfast picnic, which was one of Arlene and Bill’s favorite ways to celebrate.
Beautifully written and accurate. I miss Bill and Arlene every day. Much love to all the Miners! 💕💕💕💕💕💕
The best sister-in -law anyone could ever have. Loved her beauty, joy and enthusiasm expressed at every turn. So many happy memories from Canton to Leesburg with visits to Naples and Muskoka in between. She blessed our world.
❤️😇❤️😇
What a lovely mom! How adventurous your parents were to sell their house and set off in a motor home for seven years! I bet you have so many good memories!
There was nothing quite like the abundant generosity of Bill and Arlene Miner when it came to welcoming neighborhood kids to their house and swimming pool! Such wonderful memories of growing up in that neighborhood. My condolences to Doug, Steve, Polly, Sally, and their nine grand children. They will surely be missed.
I’m so blessed to have known Arlene and to have seen her smile, heard her laugh and received her hugs. Her love and kindness shines through her children and grandchildren and permeates through us all.
As I shared with Arlene a number of years ago, the thing I loved most was her grace! I never heard her ever make a negative comment about another person. She was inclusive, loving, joyous, and inspiring. It was always fun to be with the Miner family! There’s a legacy here it’s unique. Arlene and Bill live on through their children. So proud to be part of this family.
What a beautiful life well lived! I was reflecting on Arlene’s “spiritual lightheartedness” and the encouraging perspective she always shared, I will miss her so much!
We met Arlene while she lived at the Lakes at Leesburg in Florida. She helped so many and was in charge of the read a book club. Then they would discuss it afterwards. I would help her with repairs on her house but because she was so nice I would never charge her. Just a beautiful person that if everyone was like her it would be a perfect world. It was our honor so to have known her. We did miss her when she left here but I know it was best.prayers are with you and her family.
I was a beneficiary of Arlene’s warm, welcoming spirit, and her jello salads! I will always remember her kindness, her smile, and her very wonderful laugh. My heart is with Arlene’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
I am so deeply grateful to know Arlene and cherish her legacy of love and grace that lives on through her beautiful family.
I met Arlene at Sunday School when I was about 5. Of course back then she was Mrs. Miner! But there was nothing ‘minor’ about her. She always had a major smile and brought joy and laughter to any room. Over the years our family stayed in touch from Park Forest to Canton to OK City & St. Louis we traveled for visits. What great memories we all shared! Her legacy of joy will live on in our hearts ♥️
Love,
Lynn & the Bumba family
Arlene was one of my best friends. Met her when I started going to the Eustis, FL church in 2008. She was so sweet and giving, and always seemed to have a smile on her face. Her cheerfulness was catchy! She was a great cook, too. Went to her place for lunch many times. We also shopped at the Penney’s next to her community and went to movies together. I have very fond memories, and missed her when she moved to St. Louis area.
A fond farewell to a sweet lady I went to church with in Florida
Grace, calm, smiles, and cheer were expressed by Arlene. Whether working at church, welcoming guests at her cozy home, or going out with friends, she was a pleasure to be with. She will be going forward with the same happy qualities.