Arlene Bird, 87, of Quinter, Kansas went to her heavenly home to join Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Friday, April 15, 2022. Arlene was born on October 9, 1934, at home on a farm north of Quinter, Kansas, to Samuel and Gladys Brown Coburn.
She grew up with two brothers, David and Sammie, and had two brothers, Gerald and Edward, who both died in infancy. She had a sister-in-law, Glenva, who was a sister in heart.
Arlene accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age at her mother's knee. She couldn't remember a time when she didn't pray as her mother taught her while she cuddled her. Arlene was baptized at the age of 12 and always felt God's hand on her life, leading her to help others and to pour out her heart, emotions, and gifts for others. In one of her journals from May 1987, she wrote "The lilacs smell so sweet! They just permeate the air as one walks past. What I want my life to be to all those around me, a sweet fragrance to God." Arlene's life verse is Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
As a child, Arlene was known as being athletic, the first to be chosen for teams. She loved to read. Her favorite gifts were books, of which Black Beauty was especially memorable because it also addressed her love of horses. She told of riding her horse to school in grade school, one occasion resulting in a broken collarbone.
How Arlene loved animals, especially cats, enjoying many house cats and farm cats. Her favorite hideout was the haystack, and she loved jumping in the wheat in the grainery. Her favorite time of year was the fall, probably because that season held her birthday.
Arlene grew up feeling so cherished and was blessed to be raised near her Uncle Walter and Aunt Emma Ulrich and cousins, Gerald and Joyce. She was also very close to her other Coburn aunts and uncles who visited frequently but lived further away.
In high school, Arlene excelled in all her classes and enjoyed being in Kayettes, Pep Club, and the weekly Bible Study in the basement of the high school. Her favorite teachers taught her a love for poetry and history and to be glad she was a girl. She graduated from Quinter High School in 1952.
Arlene's parents gave her permission to marry Glenn Raymond Bird, at the age of 17, before he was to leave for Korea. They were married on a beautiful day, January 30, 1952, at her parents' home surrounded by family and close friends so her bedridden mother could participate. Arlene and Glenn were very blessed to celebrate 70 years of marriage earlier this year. After Glenn returned from the Korean War, they welcomed four children to their loving home: Glenna Rae, Melony, Scott, and Stacey.
Arlene was a farmer’s wife and a Proverbs 31 woman, establishing a welcoming and happy home, andassisting and supporting Glenn with outdoor lawn and field work and farm errands. She was known for her bountiful flower and vegetable gardens, which she shared with others, used in cooking her delicious meals, and preserved by canning and freezing for future needs. She always took hot meals to the harvest fields and prepared plentiful meals every day for family and farmhands. Her children remember coming home from school to homemade bread, pies, cookies, cakes, and hot glazed donuts all over the kitchen counter. A gifted seamstress, she sewed clothing, quilts, blankets, and more for her children, grandchildren, and friends, in addition to providing sewn items for church bazaars, etc.
Arlene loved music, teaching piano lessons to over 55 children and adults, and enjoyed praising God as a church pianist and musician in the Quinter United Methodist Church and His Place. It was a common sight to see grandchildren sitting beside Grammy as she played piano or organ. During Arlene's last days in the hospital, she enjoyed hearing her daughter-in-law Sheryl play her keyboard and her husband, children, and their spouses singing hymns and praise songs.
A student of God's word, Arlene taught Sunday School and Bible School, and led or participated in many church committees, boards, and retreats. She loved the United Methodist Women (UMW) and organizing the prayer chain. She also loved opening their home for Bible studies over decades. As a prayer warrior, she prayed daily with and for her family, friends, prayer buddies, and pastors. When she learned of any prayer request or need, she did not delay but immediately prayed whether on the telephone or street corner.
She was known as a leader in the community, serving as Republican Party chairwoman and hospital endowment foundation board member, among other positions. She worked to obtain contributions to support various non-profit organizations and was so generous with her time and resources.
The Valhalla Club was very special to Arlene as was spending time with her lifelong friends. In their earlier years, Arlene and Glenn enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, and visiting friends. In their later years, they enjoyed meeting with new and old friends at the Quinter Senior Center.
When those in the community prematurely lost their parents, she became their adopted mother. She made many encouraging phone calls and sent letters and cards tirelessly. The needs of others were always a higher priority than her own. Even through many hospital stays and until the end, her concern was always for the comfort and wellness of others. An inspiration to many, Arlene always had a compliment and encouraging word for everyone.
After Arlene's diagnosis of lupus, heart issues and other ailments, she chose to overcome and turn them into a way to encourage others with similar problems.
Arlene deeply loved and treasured time with her family. She was an active supporter of her children and their activities. Her grandchildren talk of wonderful memories of their time with Grammy–sitting on her lap reading books, enjoying cousin time, exploring Horsethief Canyon, looking for rocks and fossils, playing games, reveling in holiday times, participating in crafts and activities, coloring and hiding Easter eggs, savoring their favorite foods, shopping together, and raiding the "candy drawer."
Arlene has excelled in so many roles — as wife, mother, Grammy, great Grammy, daughter, sister, cousin, confidante, encourager, prayer warrior, teacher, student, gardener, seamstress, volunteer, leader, musician, role model, inspirer, encourager, and friend. She has had a full life of loving and living.
The compassion, generosity, patience, and kindness she extended to all she met were a perfect reflection of her loving spirit and commitment to her faith in Jesus Christ. This is best expressed in her testimony: "Through Jesus, all the dimensions of my life are richer and deeper. I am a better woman, wife, mother, grandmother. Yes, better in all dimensions of my life. Jesus walks with me always and adds LIFE to my life, for He lives. Praise God!"
Arlene is survived and will be lovingly remembered by the love of her life and husband of 70 years, Glenn, daughter Glenna Rae (Norm) Alexander of Leesburg, Florida; daughter Melony (Gary) McClure of Assaria, Kansas; son Scott (Sheryl) Bird of Quinter, Kansas; and daughter Stacey (Scott) Wood of Wichita, Kansas. She also leaves 16 adored grandchildren and 23 precious great grandchildren: Avery (Kim), Abigail, Asher, and Theodore Alexander of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Alden (Sarah), Isaac, Lillian, Benjamin, and Jonah Alexander of Salina, Kansas; Emily (Nathan), Caleb, Micah, and Levi Watson of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Kesa, Lois Kael, Toben, Eleanor, and Thatcher Easter of Andale, Kansas; Kimber (Chris), Madeleine, and Miles Breeden of Wichita, Kansas; Mark (Lili) McClure of Topeka, Kansas; Max McClure of Podebrady, Czech Republic; Marissa (Jacob) Jones of Springfield, Missouri; Michaela Bird of Raleigh, North Carolina; Stephen Bird of Austin, Texas; Matthew Bird of Kansas City, Kansas; Sarah Bird of Kansas City, Kansas; Valerie (Luis), Isabella, Samuel, Aurora Alicea of Benton, Kansas; Angela (Jonathan), Jacey, Jordyn, and Morgan Lee of Wichita, Kansas; Olivia (Erik), and Blakely Harbutz of Wichita, Kansas; and Aimee (Taylor) Carter of Olathe, Kansas.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Gladys (Brown) Coburn; and brothers David, Samuel, Gerald, and Edward; and her sister-in-law Glenva Coburn.
The celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 23, at the Quinter United Methodist Church, 218 W 4th St. Burial will follow at Baker Township Cemetery, Quinter, Kansas.
Visitation will be 5-7 PM on Friday, April 22, at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St., Quinter, Kansas.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Quinter United Methodist Church or Quinter Volunteer Ambulance Service. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com