F. Arlene (Wiersig) Thies passed away on October 30, 2024, at the age of 93 in Oklahoma City. Born on March 5, 1931, Arlene dedicated her life to nurturing her family and serving her community through various roles. Raised on her family's farm in Alva, Arlene's journey through life included attending Alva High School, furthering her education at St. John's Lutheran College in Winfield, Kansas, and teaching school for a time. Her life's path was rich with experiences, including her time spent overseas taking care of four growing children and raising a family in a world far different than most people could imagine. Arlene truly appreciated her experiences in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Iran that enriched her as a human being and where she made lifelong friends. She remembered well the stark differences between the cultural values and native traditions of Africa as compared to what she'd grown up with in rural Oklahoma, and often talked of the priceless memories the time abroad had left her with. Settling back in Oklahoma City in 1973, she held various positions while continuing to care for family and ultimately retiring from Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E).

Deeply rooted in her faith, Arlene was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bethany and Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. Her commitment to her faith and church community was evident through her participation in the Women's Group, her cherished Tuesdays spent with friends, and the countless lap blankets she crocheted for the elderly. Arlene's life was marked by her roles as both a homemaker and a professional, yet her most cherished role was that of a family matriarch. She is survived by her children, Monte Thies and his wife Connie of College Station, Texas; Lynette Thies of Oklahoma City; and LeAnn Storck and her husband Shane of Braman, Oklahoma; and brother, Virgil, of Alva, Oklahoma. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Jennifer Carr of Guthrie, Oklahoma, and Alex Carr and his wife Serliara of Surbaya, Indonesia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arlene was preceded in death by her son, Steve Thies.

Arlene's life was a testament to her devotion to her family, her faith, and her community, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. In lieu of a memorial service, as per her wishes, those wishing to honor Arlene's memory are encouraged to make contributions to Tuesdays with Friends at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bethany, Oklahoma, or Caring Friends at Messiah Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City.