Arlene Catherine Volz Obituary (2023)

Arlene Catherine (Arlee Kay) Volz March 12,1943~October 23, 2023 On October 23, 2023, our sovereign God chose to graciously welcome His beloved child, Arlee Volz, into her heavenly home to be with Him and her blessed Savior, Jesus Christ forever. Though we miss her dearly, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. For our hope is grounded upon the immutable promises of God's Word. Arlee was born to Floyd and Dorothy McCallum Grow on March 12, 1943 in Yakima, WA and grew up in Grandview, WA, graduating with the Grandview High School class of 1961. She enjoyed keeping in close contact with many of her classmates and more recently, organizing a prayer network amongst them. Growing up in a Christian home, she trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. This decision formed the basis and direction of her entire life. Her family were active members of the Grandview Church of the Nazarene. Upon graduation, Arlee attended two years at Seattle Pacific College before transferring to the University of Washington where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 1965. It was there, while living at the University Christian Union Women's House, that she met her future husband, Art Volz, who was living in the UCU Men's House. They were married in Grandview on July 10, 1965. Their first home was in Hayward, CA where Arlee was employed as a dental hygienist and Art as a civil engineer. It was there that Arlee first developed a love for teenagers while she and Art worked with their church's high school youth group. After a year and a half, Art felt a call to full-time Christian ministry. And so, they moved to Dallas, TX, where Art attended seminary while Arlee continued to work as a dental hygienist to support the family. Arlee was an accomplished pianist, having first accompanied congregational singing and special music at her church while still in high school. While in Dallas, she organized and accompanied a triple trio of seminary wives to sing at various events. Upon graduation, Art served as the Minister of Christian Education and Youth for four different churches on the west coast over a period of 30 years. During those years, Arlee was an integral part of his ministry as they served teenagers together. She would often also lead children and youth choirs as well as play for church choirs and services. Over these years they raised two children, Jonathan and Julee. In 2003, she and Art moved to Yakima where he served as a chaplain at Living Care Retirement Community. There Arlee continued to play the piano for chapel services until 2011. Later, she served as the piano accompanist for the middle and high school choirs at Toppenish and Wapato where she was known as "Grandma" to the students. She also did some substitute teaching at Highland High School. Arlee had a gift of creativity and an impeccable attention to detail which she used over the course of several years to operate a small business that decorated for special events. She was a long-time active member of West Side Church in Yakima where she initiated a ministry for a few years called "Soul Sisters" for women who worship alone. One of the greatest loves of Arlee's life was her family. In addition to their two children, Art and Arlee were blessed with eight grandchildren whom she loved to spoil. It gave her the utmost joy to attend their various activities including sports, drama, music, and school events. Truly a people-person, Arlee's life was centered on loving and serving others while radiating the joy of the Lord. She loved to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Her enthusiastic, bubbly personality was infectious. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Arlee was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Dorothy Grow and her brother, Dr. Ronald Grow, all of Grandview. She is survived by her husband, Art Volz of Yakima, a son, Dr. Jonathan Volz (Marta) of Benton City, a daughter, Julee Tibbetts (Dean) of Duvall, a sister-in-law Shirley Grow of Grandview, an aunt, Loa Pfaff (Jerry) of San Diego, grandchildren Cody and Blake Tibbetts of Duvall, and Madeline, Jackson, Calvin, Gideon, Avenley, and Benjamin Volz of Benton City, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2:00 p.m. at the Grandview Church of the Nazarene in Grandview. The family would like to thank all the staff at Cottage in the Meadow for their compassionate care during Arlee's stay there. Shaw and Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com Celebration of Life Grandview Church of the Nazarene Saturday, November 18, 2023 2:00 PM 500 N Elm St Grandview, Washington 98930