Thelma Arlene Challis Leonard entered into heaven surrounded by family on June 13, 2018. She was born in Bridgeport, Oklahoma in 1926 to John Leroy Challis and Ruby Jane Pedigo. She was preceded in death by her loving husband John, two daughters, and two sons. She is survived by four children: Mary Early, Charlotte and John Sims, Myra Williams, and Linda and James Lawson all of Oklahoma City; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. Arlene was raised in rural Oklahoma with eight brothers and sisters and two patient and kind parents who were known to feed others in need. She helped raise her younger siblings and everyone remained close their entire lives no matter where they lived. One of Arlenes favorite memories was riding her beloved horse Trixie to school every day. She also looked forward to her birthday in March so she could walk barefoot on freshly plowed fields. In the spring of 1943, Arlene Challis, 17, and John Leonard, 16, met and decided to marry two weeks later. With $6 in his wallet, they rode the Interurban Streetcar to Norman accompanied by Johns mother. On the journey, John lost his wallet, and they were denied a marriage license because they were underage. Returning to Oklahoma City, Johns mother signed the papers and loaned them the $6 fee. Arlene and John moved to Bridgeport to chop cotton, and two weeks later went to California where John worked in the shipyards. They returned to Oklahoma one year later and raised their children while always leaving the door open for anyone who needed a home. They were happily married for 65 years until Johns death on June 14, 2009. Arlene attended Blackwood Business School to learn accounting so that she could assist her husband in the laundry business. She proudly handled all of the financing until she was almost 90-years old. When she wasnt attending to the family business, she was hosting a house-full for Sunday lunch. The holidays were a special time and family and friends traveled from all directions just so they could be together. As family and friends think about the legacy of Arlene, they fondly remember her anecdotes, limericks, and humorous sayings. She had a generous spirit that knew no bounds, always giving her time and loving everyone unconditionally. Arlene was blessed with a loving family, dedicated employees, and faithful neighbors. The family will receive visitors at Mercer-Adams on Sunday, June 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Mercer-Adams on Monday, June 18 at 1:00 p.m. She will rest among family at Luther Cemetery in Luther, Oklahoma. The family would like to thank Frontier Hospice for their loving care of Arlene and family. Donations can be made in her memory to The Childrens Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany, Oklahoma. Funeral Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Monday, June 18, 2018 1:00 PM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008