The Lord called Arlene Marie Mattes home on Sunday, April 29, 2018.
She enjoyed almost 62 years in the service of our Lord. Arlene lived in Annandale, Virginia where she was active in the life of Christ Church of Arlington, Virginia, and many local and national charities, including Doorways for Women and Families, Arlington Food Assistance Center, and various animal shelters. She worked for almost 20 years in the food and beverage business before becoming a full-time homemaker and charity volunteer. She was loved by all the neighborhood children, who would run over to see her after they got off of the school bus every day, as well as the neighborhood pets, who could not pass her house without stopping for a treat.
As a military wife, she mentored young military wives, and led a coupon club to help them economize. Her kindness always extended to
those who weren't as blessed as she was, including helping battered women and children, the hungry, and animals of all kinds. She spent her entire life associated with the military as her father, who pre-deceased her, was a career Army officer and her husband Bob is a career Air Force pilot. She was an expert at moving and making new places into a home of love.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Colonel Robert Mattes, USAF, Retired; her mother, Mollie Ann Whiteis; her sister, Shirley René and her husband Chuck Cataldo; and a large extended family. She was pre-deceased by her father, CWO3 Lester Whiteis, USA, Retired, and her brothers, Wayne Whiteis and Greg Whiteis.
A service will be held May 6, 2018, at 3 p.m. at Parker United Methodist Church, 7200 Fayetteville Road, Raeford. Visitation will be from 2-2:45 p.m.
She had a particular heart for abused women and children. In lieu of flowers, she would appreciate donations to Doorways for Women and Families, P.O. 100185, Arlington, VA, 22203, or through their website at https://www.doorwaysva.org/donate/individual-and-family-giving/.