Arlene Coffey

Union County native, Arlene Coffey, 81, died peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Caroleton Healthcare Center in Connersville.

The daughter of Harold and Naomi Kuhn Smalley, Arlene was born at home on June 4, 1944. She attended Short High School where she met her future husband, Donald Gene Coffey. They were married on July 7, 1962, at College Corner United Methodist Church. Don built Arlene three houses over the course of their marriage, never missing an opportunity to spoil his bride. Over the years, they took their children on many vacations and adored traveling together, especially their last trip to Hawaii.

Arlene was strong in her beliefs. She liked to discuss politics and try to solve all the world’s problems. She was a night owl who enjoyed late night television. Arlene was also a homemaker who took great pride in meticulously decorating and maintaining her home. In her later years, you could find Arlene on her porch swing watching the neighborhood to make sure everyone was safe. In addition, she was an avid animal lover who made sure every stray that wandered into her yard was taken care of. Arlene had a huge heart and her love for her friends and family will be greatly missed.

Arlene is survived by her children and their spouses: Natalie Brock and Tony, Clarissa Caudill and Brian, Shane R. Coffey; granddaughter who Arlene and Don raised as their own: Candace Shepherd and Sean; daughter-in-law: Karen Coffey; grandchildren: Allison Steele and Wesley Looker, Maisy Steele, Kaden Steele, Adrienne Caudill, Landon Caudill, great-grandchildren: Baylee Baker, Hunter Baker, and Jameson Murray; several nieces and nephews: two furry friends: Molly and Sophie.

In addition to her parents, Arlene is preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-four years, Don, who died September 30, 2016; son: Chris G. Coffey; sisters: Marjorie Oakley, Geraldine Walton.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty. Burial will follow at College Corner cemetery. Friends may gather at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m., until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Acres in honor of Arlene’s love for animals