Elizabeth Ann Arens

March 29, 1928 - November 4, 2018

Elizabeth Ann Arens of Toppenish age 90 died Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Prestige Care, Toppenish Nursing & Rehab Center. She was born March 29, 1928 in Granger, Washington, the daughter of Homer Delos and Zay Dora (Lafray) Whittum. She grew up in Toppenish with her siblings and graduated from Toppenish High School in 1946 and later attended Yakima Valley Community College. In June of 1946 she married Paul P. Arens. Elizabeth was a homemaker while her children David and Carol were growing up. Liz was involved in her children’s activities by being a Cub Scout and a Camp Fire Girl leader. She shared her love of reading with Carol by taking afternoon trips to the local library. Liz was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She entered the workforce as a clerk at a neighborhood market and also a meat wrapper at Safeway. Following a work injury it became apparent she no longer could work; she willingly entered retirement. She and Paul would travel to visit their daughter, relatives, and take many trips to Reno, Nevada. A highlight roadtrip for them was going to Alaska. Liz and Paul celebrated 53 wonderful years together until Paul’s passing in 1999. She enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping (especially at their favorite site located on Bumping Lake), fishing, hunting, and picking huckleberries near Mt. Adams to make the best homemade huckleberry pie and ice-cream. You could often find her knitting or reading while enjoying a cup of coffee. Liz never met a yard sale she didn’t love and frequently brought home shoes, costume jewelry, and dress up clothes for her granddaughters. She was an amazing cook and always had plenty of food for unexpected guests. Her cinnamon rolls were simply amazing! She always kept a well-stocked pantry of canned pickles, gum, and cookies. Liz lovingly took care of her mother Zay at her farm house and continued that care with daily visits when Zay entered a nursing home and then passed away in 1998. Liz met her companion Wendell Oliver and together they went on new adventures. Wendell was an avid Coug fan and took Liz on many trips to Pullman. They both enjoyed going to the Branding Iron to meet up with friends for lunch and frequenting Legends Casino. Liz enjoyed spending time with Wendell and his family until his passing in 2007. She loved spending time with her granddaughters, Vanessa and Sarah. She proudly attended many of their school, church, and sporting events. She was always ready and willing to spend time with them or go shopping. She was overjoyed when she became a great grandmother to Jayden and AnnaLucia. She enjoyed their visits and simply being around them. In 2013, Liz took residence at the Toppenish Nursing home as her memory faded. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all the nursing staff, aides, and doctors who took care of Liz. She is survived by her brother Zane Whittum, her children and their spouses Carol Arens and Jan Pengra of Covington, WA, David and Bev Arens of Yakima, WA, granddaughter Vanessa Krantz (Aaron) and great-grandson Jayden of Selah, WA, granddaughter Sarah Guzman (Tomas) and great-granddaughter AnnaLucia of Spokane, WA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Arens, her parents, Homer and Zay, and brothers Donald Whittum, Warren “Bill” Whittum, and sisters Cecile LaPierre, Esther Morrow Fyfe, and Carrie Blanchard. A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Toppenish at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 8th. The family suggests a memorial gift to Faith Lutheran Church.