Arlene Helen Lafond-Melcher, age 88, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2021 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, KS.

Arlene was born in Clifton, Kansas on July 12, 1933, a daughter of the late Albert Charles and Jane Helen (Nault) LaFond. Arlene attended Corning Grade School and High School. Arlene was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca, KS.

Arlene married Elmer Melcher on October 15, 1958 at Saint Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville, KS. They lived on their farm south east of St. Benedict for nearly 33 years, before moving in 1985 to Seneca.

Throughout her life Arlene gave the gift of nursing as she followed along with her sisters Pat and twin sister Charlene working in area hospitals and nursing homes. In 1958 she married Elmer Melcher and transitioned into a homemaker. Arlene provided daycare services for her area neighbors and family. She cherished getting to raise her own five children, her children’s children, and then some. She was always a large part of each of the lives that she helped bring into this world. She was selfless, and always had a smile on her face no matter the smallest of gestures. She and Elmer built a solid foundation for their family, and valued being present in each and every little thing. Arlene took much pleasure in simplicity, and always made the simple things in life seem so special.

Arlene is preceded death by her parents Jane Helen (Nault) and Albert Charles LaFond, husband Elmer Melcher, son Glenn Melcher, and sister Mary Catherine Kay’ Dechant.

Arlene is survived by her four children Gary (Geriann) Melcher of Seneca, Ks, Donna (Boyd) Altenhofen of Seneca, KS, Karen (John) Smith of Marysville, KS, Randy Melcher of St. Joseph, MO. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren – Kim (Curt) Schultejans of Seneca, KS, Kirt (April) Henry of Seneca, KS, Michael (Debra) Altenhofen of Leawood, KS, Michelle (Ross) Harrington of Wichita, KS, Kent (Hana) Henry of Columbus, IN, Renae (Russ) Fitzgerald of Seneca, KS, Melissa (Andrew) Hastings of Colorado Springs, CO, Kyle (Chelsea) Henry of Olathe, KS, Michaela (Alex) Hermesch of Salina, KS, and Karla (Jake) Hermesch of Seneca, KS. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren – Callie, Eli Schultijans of Seneca, KS, Landon, Grace & Allison Fitzgerald of Seneca, KS, Benjamin, Eva, Wesley Altenhofen of Leawood, KS, Jackson & Cannon Harrington of Wichita, KS, Vincent Hermesch of Salina, KS, Kadance & Aidan Henry, Seneca, KS, Alma Henry of Olathe, KS Juliann Henry and Elowyn Henry of Columbus, IN.  She is also survived by her siblings Patria Ehrsam, of Seneca, Kansas, Charlene Crevier, of Seneca, Kansas, and Larry LaFond and his wife Nancy, of Haven, Kansas.

Arlene will be in state all day Thursday, December 2, 2021 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. A rosary will be prayed at on December 3, 2021 at 10:30 AM, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. following the rosary, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Seneca, KS.

Memorials are for Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, sent in care of the family.