Arlene James

James, Arlene (Garton) 86, retired bookkeeper/accountant, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016. Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Arlene was born in Superior, NE on August 17, 1929. She graduated from high school at the age of 16 and moved to Wichita in 1957. Arlene worked for USD#259 for 11 years and the Catholic Diocese of Wichita for 25 years in accounting before retiring in May 1995. In 2005, she moved to Cheney, KS where she was active in her church and The Cheney Senior Center. Arlene was a 21 year member of American Business Womens (ABWA) and was Woman of the Year 1995. Arlene enjoyed Arts & Crafts shows, going to antique sales, reading and publishing her church newsletters. She was also an avid KC Royals, Shockers, OKC Thunder, and K.U. basketball fan. Preceded in death by husbands, Lindley Garton and A.R. James. Survived by sons, Steven E. Garton (Jan), of Cheney, KS, Dennis E. Garton (Linda), of Edmond, OK, Kendall S, Garton, (Nancy), of Coffeyville, KS; 9 grandchildren and spouses; and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial has been established in her honor with Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67219. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.