A glorious family reunion was held in Heaven on Saturday, July 11, as Arlene Jane Ross Caplinger Robertson, age 84, of Charleston, met with those who had departed before her, her granddaughter, Kelli Lyn Maxwell, her parents, Theodore and Glenna Ross, her siblings, Eloise Myers, Thelma Graury, Neil Ross, Sue Brown, Carol Hall, Donna Ross, Karen Wolf, Michael Ross, and Arlie Ross. The heavenly family rejoiced as they basked in the glory of the eternal love of the Father and the Son. Arlene had a deep love and belief in God and had trusted him explicitly.

However, it is bittersweet for those of her devoted earthly family who loves her so much and will grieve for her until they meet again. Among them are her daughters, Donna (Ray) Tate, Sharon (Michael) Boggs, Cathy (Dave) Casebolt, and Linda (Bob) Maxwell, and her son, Jerry Caplinger, all of the Charleston area. She also dearly loved her thirteen grandchildren, her twenty-three great grandchildren, and, of course, her cats. She will also be greatly missed by her surviving sisters, Sherry (Frank) Harper, Hull, TX, Jenny (Lee) Cutshaver, Navasota, TX, Forrest (Bill) Loudin, Wallback, and Sandi (Tom) Hinkle, of Alkol. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved and enjoyed.

In her final days Angels in Scrubs (the nursing staff at CAMC Memorial 5 South and the staff at The Hubbard House) suggested that her room should be quieter and her visitors limited. However, since each one of her visitors KNEW they were her "favorite", they simply couldn't stay away and before long, through the tears and sobs, they would start telling Mommy, Mawmaw, or Arlene stories, and would get a tad noisy with laughter. Since Arlene didn't want a pity party, we would see a smile come on her face. Space does not permit all we could say about this strong, determined woman who raised her children with unconditional love and made each of her family and friends feel very special.

Her final farewell will be held Wednesday, July 15, at 1 p.m. at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Pastor B.J. Roberts officiating. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arlene was passionate about everything she did in life, but had a special place in her heart for animals. Donations in her name to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St., Charleston, WV 25311, would be a final tribute to a woman who loved and cared so much about so many – including animals.