Arlene A. Howke, 88

Arlene A. Howke, 88, passed away at Logan Health Whitefish on Oct. 2, 2023.

Arlene was born on Jan. 20, 1935 to the late Henry and Martha (Bury) Pettit in Billings.

In Arlene’s early years of life her first job was at a dairy making butter, ice cream and popsicles. She later worked at a saw mill and home maker. In her adult years she had an interest in sewing and became a seamstress, including making costumes for the Kings and Queens for Whitefish Winter Carnival.

Arlene was known for baking her homemade buns from scratch, making the family meals for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and was an avid gamer, was a member of the women’s bowling association, a member of the Whitefish Boat Club and also a member of the NRA, taught classes and was a good marksman in her day. She loved hummingbirds and orchids.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband's Jack Frey and Dale “Punk” Howke Jr., one sibling Dale “Skip” Pettit. She is survived by her children Bruce A Frey, Keith J Frey (Min Qin), Raymond H. Frey, Janeen A. McGarry, Peggy A. Borntrager (Paul), David C. Howke, 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Arlene will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. To send online condolences to the family please visit www.austinfh.com. Austin Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for the family.