Arlene Buffington, 100, of Mitchell passed away Nov. 22, 2018, at Heritage Estates in Gering, Nebraska, after a two-year disability from dementia.
    Arlene was born Aug. 26, 1918, at Mitchell, Nebraska, and raised on a Mitchell valley farm. She graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, with a teaching degree in May of 1939.  Later, she married Thomas D. Buffington on June 15, 1945, and they established their home in Wauneta, Nebraska joined by their only child, Anne Hippe, in 1951.
    The family returned to the Mitchell valley farm in 1964. Arlene occupied herself with managing the family farm, Glenn-Retta, Inc., and teaching for the Scotts Bluff County Head Start program. Her home was always a central meeting point, and she became known for her hospitality with family and friends over a period of many years. She, her mother Retta Elliott, and grandmother Fannie Mae Springer, were long-standing founders and supporters of the Busy Bee Quilting Club. She was also a member of the Mitchell United Methodist Church. The matriarch of a close, large and active family, Arlene is remembered for her generous nature from hosting reunions and events at the family farm, and at a family recreational cabin located near the base of Laramie Peak, Wyoming. She also loved sewing, gardening and extended visits with grandchildren.
    Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, her mother Retta (Springer) Elliott; her father Glen Foreman and step-father Glenn Elliott, both long-time Mitchell valley farmers; sister Eleanor Ganz of Lincoln; brother Glenn William Elliott of Santa Barbara; her grandparents, and great-granddaughter Caitlin Pietro of Murrieta, California.
    Arlene Buffington is survived by her daughter, Anne (Robert) Hippe of Gering; six grandchildren Eric (Gail) Thacker of Richland, Nebraska; Bryce (Brandi) Thacker of Burlington, Colorado; Kim Mendez of Bayard; Debbie Pietro of Murrieta, California; Rob Hippe of Lincoln; Jenney Hippe of Simi Valley, California; and two sisters, Clela (John) Duemler of Madison, Wisconsin and Donna (Bob) Swaim of Tucson; fifteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also mourn her passing but celebrate her reunion with her Lord.
    Arlene’s large and loving family wish to thank all who have visited and called, and express gratitude for the wonderful compassionate care she received at Heritage Estates.  In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family suggests memorials in Arlene’s memory for either Scotts Bluff County Head Start or Mitchell United Methodist Church.
    A memorial service begins at 10:00 a.m. Dec. 13, 2018, at the Jones Mortuary in Mitchell, Nebraska.
    Interment will follow at Mitchell Valley Cemetery.