Arlene M. Godward

Arlene was born on February 23, 1931, in Hancock, a daughter of John and Hilda (Martinmaki) Saaranen. Raised in Michigan, she was a graduate of L’Anse High School. On June 8, 1950, she married Floyd J. Godward in Hancock, and they lived in the Upper Peninsula until 1963. They then moved back to Floyd’s hometown of Youngstown, Ohio.

Mrs. Godward was a dedicated homemaker and after raising her children, she worked for the Poland Schools in the cafeteria. Mrs. Godward was a former member of the Gospel Hall in Youngstown and Pelkie.

Arlene enjoyed flower gardening, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd on January 9, 2011; her parents; her sister, Alice Kempainen; son-in-law, Dr. Karl Hill; and daughter-in-law, Janet Godward.

She is survived by her seven children, Margaret (John) Biroschak of Poland, Ohio, Kathleen Hill of Alston, Paul Godward of Pelkie, Rebecca (Gary) Pelliccioni of Ellsworth, Ohio, Melissa Godward of Tucson, Arizona, Anita (Rick) Dearing of New Middletown, Ohio, and Timothy Godward of Youngstown; her sister, Eva Kempainen of Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Family funeral services will be held and the burial will be in the Alston Cemetery.

The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Arlene’s guest book or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.