Irene M. Arnold

Irene M. Arnold, 96, of New Philadelphia, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, February 3, 2008.A daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Ricklic) Riker, Irene was born May 3, 1911 at Senecaville, Ohio.On November 13, 1928, Irene married the love of her life, Franklin C. Arnold at Wheeling, West Virginia and together they raised three daughters, Dorothy, Geraldine and Janet. The couple shared 55 years of marriage prior to Franklin’s passing on June 23, 1984.She was a devoted homemaker, who in addition to caring for her own family, served as a caregiver for many area families as a baby sitter. Irene also enjoyed cooking and she was always known to have a delicious meal cooking on the stove at her home. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia.Irene will be sadly missed by all who knew her which include her daughters, Dorothy (Jack) Shroyer of Walnut Creek, Ohio; Geraldine “Gerry” (Vey) Smith of New Philadelphia and Janet (Richard) Hay-Fankhauser of Navarre; nine grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Franklin; two sisters, Elizabeth Carlisle and Hazel Kluba and four brothers, Daniel, Eugene, Ernie and Clyde Riker.Family and friends may call on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Irene’s life will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Chapel with Rev. Dr. Steven Bailey officiating. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.Irene’s family suggests that contributions be made in her honor to the Tuscarawas County Dog Pound, 441 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.Linn-Hert-Geib330-343-5506www.geibfuneral.com