Arlene Ropel

Arlene Ropel, 92, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at her home near Columbia, South Carolina. Arlene was a lifelong resident of Benton until April of 2018, when she relocated to be near family in an assisted living facility in South Carolina. 

Arlene was born on June 7, 1928 in Jackson Township, Benton to parents Warren O. Schulz, and Florence Rhone. She is survived by her sons, Stephen Ropel, James Ropel, and brother Robert Rhone. Also surviving are grandchildren Thomas Ropel, III; Daniel Ropel, David Ropel, Timothy Ropel, and Danielle Ropel. Additionally, Arlene had seven great-grandchildren living in South Carolina and California.

Arlene was the matriarch of the Ropel family and her family always congregated at her home on Hartman Hollow Road to celebrate Christmas, 4th of July, Hunting Season and many other festive occasions. Many times over 15 or more people would pack together in her home for celebrations. The more people and dogs she had around her the happier she was. She was always known to brag about her three sons (Tom Jr., Steve, and Jimmy), and her 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Arlene was an excellent cook; some of her specialties were raisin-filled cookies, chocolate chip cookies, venison, and pigs-in-a-blanket. Although, she did a enjoy a Big Mac whenever she made her way to run errands in Bloomsburg. Arlene was a friend to everyone and a care- giver to many.  She was known around Benton as a kind, warm, and loving person who would go out of her way to help anyone. For many years, Arlene was a Sugarloaf Township Poll Clerk.

Arlene was preceded in death by her father, Warren O. Schulz, mother, Florence (Benjamin) Rhone, husband, Thomas J. Ropel Sr.; son Thomas J. Ropel, Jr., and two sons who died in infancy: David and Michael Ropel; sisters: Evelyn (Shultz) Palmer, Joyce (Rhone) Puderbaugh, and by a brother, Jesse Rhone.

There will be a private graveside service for family on Saturday, January 16 at the Benton Cemetery. The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton, is honored to serve the  Ropel Family. For online condolences, please visit our website:  www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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