:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/T5OSWR3YOZAILDX5GUNGYXUNYQ.jpg)
Arlene VanVoorhis, 85, of Newton, IA passed away peacefully at her home March 11, 2025.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday March 21, 2025 from 4-6 PM at 917 W 5th St S, Newton.
Born May 4, 1939 to Charles and Lillian (Irish) in Gorham, ME. Arlene graduated high school in Gorham and married Richard Colby in 1959. The couple eventually made their home in Burlington, VT. She was a homemaker, mother of three and enjoyed sewing. Arlene had a desire to help others that would lead her to attend college and obtain a masters degree to become a licensed mental health counselor. She moved to Ocala, FL and married Robert VanVoorhis in 1988, the couple would eventually move to Newton where Arlene was able to see clients in her home office. Arlene was a member of Community Heights, RSVP and enjoyed lunch at Jasper County Elderly Nutrition.
She is survived by her children, Pamela (David) Thompson of Baxter, IA; Eric (Maryann) of Windham, ME; Aleck Colby of Parkville, MO. Grandchildren, Jay Thompson; Sarah Parker; Amanda Wimble; William Colby and seven great grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, and special friend John VanderSchel.