Helen Arlene (Downing) Weyher

Helen Arlene Weyher passed away peacefully on May 14, 2016, at the age of 99.  She was born on June 19, 1916 in Milan Township, Monroe County, Michigan to J. Emery Downing and Iva (Spencer) Downing. Arlene was the second eldest child, and the oldest girl, with five siblings. Growing up, she and her siblings worked on the family farm. When they had spare time, they played sports and even created a meticulous tennis court behind their father’s garage for all the Downing siblings to play on. Arlene married A. LaVern Weyher, on April 5, 1941. They were wed by Rev. Roy L. Cross in Bowling Green, Ohio in a small ceremony. When asked about how the two of them met, Arlene recounted that she was a waitress at the Coffee Cup Café in Dundee when LaVern came in. She had never seen him before, but she said she knew immediately that he was the man she was going to marry. The two of them loved to take road trips together and spend time with their family. Lavern passed away June 15, 1988.  Arlene graduated from Milan High School in 1933.  She worked at Motor Products Company in Detroit, King Seeley Corporation in Ann Arbor and nine years for Britton-Macon School.  She was a sports fan, and while working in Detroit as a young woman, she would often frequent Red Wings or Tigers games – going straight to the games from work in her high heeled shoes. She was a proud member of the Britton Congregational Church, where she was a fixture at both the annual Turkey Supper and Salad Luncheon. Arlene was also a member of the Woman’s Fellowship, Mary-Martha Circle, American Legion Auxiliary Post #155, 40 & 8 Local #997 and past member of Lenawee County 4-H Extension Club. Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, two brothers Dean Downing and Donald Downing, one sister Charlotte (Bob) Bigelow.  Survived by one son Ronald (Sue) Weyher of Iron River, Michigan; two daughters, Sandra Weyher of Dundee, Michigan and Debra J. Kimerer of Kissimmee, Florida; stepson Richard (Marie) Weyher of Sylvan Springs, Alabama; stepdaughter Betty (Alex) Raczkowski of Blissfield, Michigan; four grandchildren, Miki (Dave) Doyle of Lowell, Michigan, Stephanie (Steven) D’Amico of Arlington, Virginia, Ryan Kimerer of Tallahassee, Florida, and Joshua Kimerer of Kissimmee, Florida; three great grandchildren, Chelsea (Timothy) Stevens of Lowell, Michigan, Kellen Guinn and Holden Guinn of Lowell, Michigan; many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, two sisters, Audrey (Doug) Palmer of Cantonment, Florida, and Shirley (Melvin) Wertenberger of Dundee, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. Arlene was utterly devoted to her family, friends and her faith. All were welcome in her home and at her table. Many people remember her best whirling around her kitchen, tending to her flowers or taking care of her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will be held on June 18, 2016 at the Britton Congregational Church, at 11:00 AM