Arlene Benson Moore flew away to heaven on March 20, 2025.  She was born on October 16, 1946, in Mount Vernon, Washington to Ted and Myrtle Benson.

She grew up in Mount Vernon.  She graduated from MV high school in1964. She earned a BA in elementary education from Northwest Nazarene University, and a fifth year from Western Washington.

Arlene married the love of her life, Gary E. Moore. He was her 'rock' (G.E.M.).   They created wonderful memories together during their 56 years of marriage. It didn't matter what they did or where they were. They went to baseball stadiums, (she had 5 to go). They loved to visit big cities, mountain resorts, and took several cruises. They traveled across this great land by train or plane.

She had no children of her own.  She cherished spending time with family.  She loved being with all her nieces, nephews, including her great nieces and nephews. She had two Godsons, Adam and Chris (Ashley) Fredlund.

Arlene was an elementary teacher for 35 years.  Her first ten years were in Kamiah, and Homedale, Idaho.  Arlene and Gary moved to Mount Vernon, where she taught kindergarten and Transitional First Grade for 25 years at Lincoln School.

She entered her classroom with love, laughter, and enthusiasm.  Her students responded with excitement, motivation, and an anticipation for learning.  Arlene's students became her children.  Many remained in touch by calling, emailing, texting, or visiting her. No matter who she taught, their memories of her will forever linger in their hearts.

Arlene was named 'Idaho State Semifinalist' in 1977.
The state of Washington presented her with the 'Christa McAuliffe' award for 'Excellence in Education'.  Northwest Nazarene University named her the 'Educator of the year'.
She was honored and surprised as a guest on KOMO'S Northwest Afternoon TV Show.  However, her biggest award was a hug from a student.

She loved people and they loved her.  She showered them with her infectious smile, memorable laugh, positive attitude, sense of humor and her kindness.  She left people with a big smile on their face and a warm feeling in their heart.

She was an avid Mariner's baseball fan.  She also became a Phillies fan when Kyle Kendrick, a former student, became a starting pitcher for them.

Arlene started each morning with prayer and reading the Bible.  This enabled her to face the many 'health journeys' she traveled throughout her life. No matter how much pain she endured or where she was, she never let them define who she was or how she acted.  Arlene's life was an outflow of her 'joy in the Lord'.

Arlene cheerfully served the Lord as member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She served as a deaconess, worked in VBS, and Children's Church.  She was on the 'Skagit Kids Read Committee', belonged to Lincoln's 'Sit-n`-knit' group (even though she never knitted), enjoyed the monthly luncheons with the 'Retirement Gang' from Lincoln School, and was a part of the 1964 'Golden Girls'.

She is survived by:  Her husband Gary Moore, sister Andrea Guy, brother-in-law Bill (Shirley) Moore, Sister-in-law Charlene (Newell) Morgan, brother-in-law Jack (Carolyn) Teeter, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews whom she loved dearly. Also, stepbrothers, sisters, nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her mother Myrtle Benson, her father Ted Benson, her sister Annette (Benson) Teeter, her brother-in-law Rob Guy, her father-in-law W.W. Moore, her mother-in-law Irene Thon, her stepfather Harold Thon, and her stepmother Phyllis Rindal Benson.

A private family graveside service will be held at Hawthorne Memorial Park. It will be prior to a Celebration of life at Emmanuel Baptist Church, on a date yet to be determined.  A reception will follow.

Memorial gifts in remembrance of Arlene, may be sent to Emmanuel Baptist Church or to the 'Lupus Foundation'.