Evelyn Arlene (Evans) Struchtemeyer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025, at the age of 79.
Arlene was born on January 21, 1946, in Boonville, Missouri, to Estil and Juanita Cropp Evans. She grew up alongside her sisters, Debby Pulliam and Claudette Evans, and shared a lifelong closeness with her cousin, Rhonda Douglas, and husband Robert. Family always came first for Arlene, and her roots in Missouri shaped the love and loyalty she carried throughout her life.
On August 17, 1968, Arlene married her high school sweetheart, Leon Struchtemeyer. Their love story spanned nearly six decades and was filled with laughter, faith, and a devotion that inspired everyone who knew them. Together they raised two sons, Derek and Travis, first in Springfield, Illinois, and later in Seneca, South Carolina. In 1978, the family moved to Roswell, Georgia, where Arlene and Leon built their home and their community.
Arlene had a gift for making others feel cared for. From 1982 to 1987, she taught Kindergarten at Roswell United Methodist Church. Arlene then spent ten years as a Special Needs Kindergarten paraprofessional in Fulton County, pouring her patience, love, and encouragement into children who were lucky enough to have her in their lives. After retiring in 1997, she turned her attention to her many creative talents. She joined garden clubs, sewed dresses for her granddaughters, made playful Halloween costumes, and filled her home with warmth and beauty.
She also gave generously of her time, especially through delivering Meals on Wheels, where she built special connections with the seniors she served. At Roswell United Methodist Church, she and Leon found their spiritual family in the Seekers Sunday School class, where they worshiped, served, and made lifelong friends.
Of all the roles she held, Arlene was proudest of being a wife, mother, and Grammy. She leaves behind her loving husband Leon; her sons Derek (Darby) Struchtemeyer and Travis (Amanda) Struchtemeyer; and her grandchildren Logan, Sydney, Caleb, and Katelyn, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sisters, Debby Pulliam and Claudette Evans, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who adored her.
Arlene will be remembered for her selfless heart, her creativity, her quick laugh, and her unwavering love for her family. She touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and joy.
A celebration of her life will be held at Northside Funeral Home Chapel on September 6, 2025. There will be a visitation at 10:00 am and a service at 11:00 am. Flowers are welcome as well as donations to the Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/