Lucy Arlene Chiles died on February 25, 2016 of complications of a neurodegenerative disease at the age of 94. She was born at Chalk Level, MO in St. Clair County on June 20, 1921, the daughter of Archibald and Burleigh Cooper. She was raised on the family farm and helped in their general merchandise store. She graduated as the class valedictorian of Osceola High School. She married Rolla Kenneth Chiles after he returned from service in the Navy in World War II. They moved to Springfield in 1954 where she was a homemaker and they raised their children together.

Arlene was an ardent fan of athletic sports and seldom missed an event where her children and grandchildren participated. She was a dedicated lifelong Christian and member of the congregation at Schweitzer United Methodist Church, where she was a volunteer worker until age 88. Compassion and care for animals were innate in her character and there were many special pets, including dogs, cats, and a skunk. She was also a gifted horticulturist and grew beautiful flowers and ornamental plants.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, her sister, and her husband. She is survived by her children, Connie Compton (Bruce), Robin Quinn (Rodney), and Kenneth Chiles (Judy); grandchildren Rebecca Manteufel, Philip Quinn, Sarah Roberts, and Isabella Compton; and great-grandchildren Adrian Manteufel and Maisy Quinn.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 10 am with funeral services to follow at 11 am. There will be a graveside service at 3 pm at Kidd's Chapel Cemetery in rural Lowry City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Schweitzer United Methodist Church, 2747 E. Sunshine, Springfield, MO, 65804, or to the Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, Inc, PO Box 9226, Springfield, MO, 65801.