CARIBOU, Maine – Arlene Avis (Ketch) Monteith, 93, passed away October 15, 2017 at Presque Isle surrounded by her family. Arlene was born in Woodland, Maine, on April 19, 1924, the oldest daughter of George and Eldena (Nylander) Ketch and beloved granddaughter of Olof Nylander.
She attended the Pratt School, a one room schoolhouse, and Caribou High School. She worked for Maine Potato Bag Company and Woodland First Baptist Church. She was a long term volunteer for the American Cancer Society Fund Drive. Arlene was head of the Sunshine Club at her church the Woodland First Baptist. Arlene devoted her life to her family. She was the proud mother of nine children, and found great pleasure in attending their functions at school, church and Teague Park summer playground activities. She knit dozens of scarves and dishcloths for her family and donated dozens of scarves and lap blankets for the students at the Opportunity Training Center in Presque Isle. Arlene loved country music, especially yodeling.
Arlene is survived by her children, Blanch Hobbs of Ludlow, MA, Gloria and Victor Winslow of Mapleton, Sylvia Tarr and Bob Knapik of Westfield, MA, George and Brenda Monteith of Brookline, Pamela and Mark Kamen of Boothbay Harbor, Patti and George Batten of Fairmont, WV, Derek and Sherry Monteith of Lewiston, two daughters-in-law, Florence Monteith of Presque Isle and Michelle Monteith of Kissimmee, FL, one sister Lantie Kinney of Caribou, two brothers Alton Ketch of Madawaska Lake and Max (Mickey) Ketch of Van Buren, and three sisters-in-law Mary, Brenda and Diane Ketch. Arlene is survived by 26 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Arlene was predeceased by her husband of 33 years, Lynwood Monteith Sr., two sons Lynwood Monteith Jr. of Presque Isle, and Kevin Monteith of Kissimmee, FL, one grandson Darren Tarr of Westfield, MA, and five brothers Arnold, Darryl, Lionel, Kermit and Herbert Ketch.
Calling hours will be held at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, on Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 20th, at Mockler Funeral Home, officiated by her sons-in-law Rev. George Batten and Deacon Mark Kamen. Burial immediately following in the Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers friends who wish to contribute in Arlene’s memory may do so through the Friends of the Nylander, Nylander Museum, 657 Main St., Caribou, Maine 04736 or Woodland First Baptist Church, 494 Colby Siding Rd., Woodland, Maine 04736. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
