Our world was blessed when on Feb. 5th 1952 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Alois and Margaret Kujawa were blessed with a little girl named Arlene Mary. Arlene was welcomed at home by big sister Ann Marie. Later on they were blessed with one more sister Lois and the family was complete.
Arlene began her school career at Grand Forks and graduated from Grand Forks High School. After high school she took a trip to France and then came back and joined the job force. Arlene had various jobs during her career. She worked for Ma Bell Telephone Company, and she worked with the Minnesota Migrant Council during her time at Grand Forks. Her last employment was a special needs educator in South Dakota.
Arlene met the love of her life in 1976 at Grand Forks AFB when she met Robert Chavez. Little did she know that this was going to be the love of her life. Arlene became Mrs. Robert Chavez on March 16th 1978 at Grand Forks, ND. They were blessed with four children Eric, Robert, Angela and Zelda.
Shortly after their marriage the family began to travel, beginning with a tour in Panama. Later on they went to ND, Texas, South Dakota, California., Arizona and finally coming back to Texas in June 1997 to live.
Arlene had some special hobbies such as reading, shopping, studying the Bible and listening to Christian music. She collected butterflies and her favorite color was purple. She was very active in ministry attending and completing a two year ministry training at Church on The Rock in Lubbock. But her most favorite hobby was her family. She loved her family.
Arlene was very courageous in life as she was stricken with cancer March of 1996. She was very valiant in her fight against this disease; her faith was very strong during this time to the point that she was an inspiration to so many people. The Lord was very good to Arlene as he came to her side on March 5, 2009 and took her home. Part of the welcoming committee, upon her arrival in heaven, included both her Dad and Mom. In heaven she is awaiting a beautiful legacy that she left behind.
She is survived by husband Robert Chavez of Kyle; son Eric Chavez and wife Anne Marie of Houston; son Robert Chavez and wife JoAnn of Lubbock; daughter Angela Kruse and husband James of Kyle; sister Ann Marie Willetts and husband Rich of Grand Forks, ND; sister Lois Ray and husband Tom of Illinois; five grandchildren Ashlee, Ava, Sadie, Lexie and Ayden; numerous nieces and nephews as well as a host of friends.
Services were held Tues., March 10, at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel, Kyle.
