Arlene J. Boye

Arlene J. Boye, age 84, of Ford River, passed away Wednesday evening, November 6, 2019 at her home. She was born on November 2, 1935 at Cook County Hospital in Melrose Park, IL, the daughter of James Solomon and Hildegarde Agustave (Ruehmer) Deacon. Arlene lived in Melrose Park until her family relocated to the Upper Peninsula in Cedar River where she attended and graduated from high school. Following graduation, she began working as a cook at many local restaurants throughout the area. She then was employed as a nurse’s aide at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba until going to work for Besse Forest Products at their veneer plant. Arlene then went on to own her own seamstress business where she also sewed for the Escanaba Public Safety. She was active with the Girl Scouts, taught sewing lessons, enjoyed dancing, loved going to the casino, and found great joy in racing her stockcar in the powder puff division. Arlene was a very generous and giving person and had a wonderful sense of humor.  

Arlene J. Boye is survived by her children, Allan W. Boye of Escanaba, Larry A. (Pamela) Boye of Escanaba, James A. (Susan) Boye of Green Bay WI, Beth A. Boye of Ford River, and Teri L. Boye of Ford River; She was an extremely proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Shirley (George) Crider, Ronald (Janice) Deacon, Dennis (Barb) Deacon, Jack Deacon, and James (Chris) Deacon; so many nieces and nephews to mention all of them, but she loved you all the same, along with all of the amazing friends she made throughout her journey!

In addition to her parents, James Deacon and Hildegarde Deacon-Ruleau, Arlene was preceded in death by her brother, Leland Deacon.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Arlene will follow at 11:00 a.m., Friday, with Pastor Brian Swillum officiating. A potluck will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arlene J. Boye, please visit our floral store.