Arlene Muthersbough

Arlene Swearingen Muthersbough, 95, of Amarillo died Saturday, October 1

Arlene Muthersbough
Arlene Muthersbough

5, 2022.

Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.  Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 19 at the Boxwell Brothers Chapel.  Burial will be in Llano Cemetery.

Arlene was born December 3, 1926, in Mattoon, IL the daughter of O. E. and Wilmirth Swearingen.  After high school graduation, she attended Eastern Illinois State where she was voted homecoming queen and met her husband-to-be, Jack Muthersbough.  She and Jack were married until Jack passed in 2016, after 66 years together.  Arlene and Jack moved to Amarillo in 1952 where she has called home for the past 70 years.  During that time, they were very active and both became elders in the First Christian Church.  Shortly after moving to Amarillo, they had their only child, a son, Kevin “Kim” Muthersbough, who lives with his wife Sandy in Marietta, GA.

Childhood education was the focus of Arlene’s life.  Her professional career as a teacher covered 40 plus years, primarily as a 1st grade teacher in the Amarillo Independent School District.  During her career with the AISD, she taught at multiple elementary schools, finally retiring from Margaret Wills.  She particularly enjoyed introducing her young students to the magic of reading and stories, with the highlight of her year being the Peter Rabbit banquet.  Prior to teaching in Amarillo, she was “Miss Arlene” on KGNC’s broadcast of The Romper Room in the mid ’50s.  Years later, Arlene returned to the classroom as a student, receiving her Master’s degree from West Texas State.  She was recently recognized as a Diamond Sister (60 years membership) of the professional women educators’ sorority Alpha Delta Kappa.  Christmas was Arlene’s favorite holiday season and her favorite retirement projects were participation in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and making several boxes each year for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child program.

Arlene was the youngest and last survivor of 10 siblings, and she was a treasured aunt to dozens of nieces, nephews, and their children who are scattered across the Southwest, Southeast, and Midwest.  Over the years she and Jack loved hosting several Swearingen family reunions.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be to the Salvation Army Angel Tree program or to the Muthersbough Family Scholarship Fund at WTAMU.

The family will receive visitors from 6-7 P.M. on Tuesday, October 28, 2022, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.

Please sign the online guest book at www.boxwellbrothers.com.

11 Replies to “Arlene Muthersbough”

  1. Arlene and Jack were my second grandparents. They were my grandparents best friends Jack and Virginia Light. I remember Arlene having the calmest voice and her love for card games. We would sit around the dining table eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (the peanut side would have butter so the peanut butter wouldn’t stick to the roof of my mouth.) I learned a lot of other thing’s from Arlene that have formed me into a young woman she would be proud of. I see a lot of loving memories written which reminds me to not take for granted the time I spent with Arlene and also Jack. I miss you Grams and Gramps.
    Cristal Salazar

  2. Dear Aunt Arlene,
    Please know how much everyone in our family will miss you so much. I will miss the many long phone calls from Atlanta to Amarillo. I waited many evenings to talk with you after Kim and Sandy called to check on you every day. It was so much fun to talk with you as you were always so understanding and kind. I will also miss the many beautiful gifts you sent me at work and home to make me feel special and loved. I have always treasured the fabulous packages you would send as they were embellished with many colorful decorations. You would include your wonderful chocolate chip, oatmeal and sugar cookies. I am always thankful for your encouragement to be successful with my career in education. I have always thought of you as more than my amazing aunt and as a wonderful mentor as an educator and role model. You always persevered by getting your own groceries, going to the post office, going to the bank, running many errands, getting your own car gas and even managing to continue to drive your own car until a few months ago.
    When we would get ready to stop our long phone conversations, we always included your furry friends, Puppy Dog, Bunny Rabbit, Gizmo and Lambie Pies. They always kept you company without Uncle Jack. I trust you are now having lots of fun having long conversations with your husband, Jack, and others in the Muthersbough and Swearingen families.
    Please know that you will always be remembered for the many kind, caring and giving things you did for others. We are so very fortunate that you are in our family. I will always admire your positive attitude, courage and strength. May God’s blessings and love be with you forever.

  3. Mrs. Muthersbough was my first grade teacher at Lawndale elementary school in 1962, and I have fond memories of her, we stayed in touch for many years. God bless her for all her good works, she was such a positive role model and guiding light for so many young people.

  4. Arlene taught both of my girls Kim & Stephine Farmer in 1st grade at Margaret Wills. She was so kind and supporting when helping them with reading and other challenges. Mr. Jack would always greet the girls at church and pick both of them up in is arms and say how are my girls doing today. They were both precious people and loved by everyone.
    You made a difference in the children you taught Mrs. Muthersbough.

  5. I was introduced to Aunt Arlene by Becky (Hortenstine) Mauck, her niece. I corresponded with Aunt Arlene with notes and phone calls for several years. She was a dear person and I so enjoyed our notes to each other. She amazed me with her energy and willingness to do for others. I know she is happy to be with her sweet husband and reunited with my dearest friend Becky. My sympathy to the family.

  6. She was my first grade teacher years ago. I have so many fond memories of my learning time in her classroom. Rest in peace, Mrs. Muthersbough. You impacted so many students and families.

  7. She was the last of my aunts and uncles on my mother’s side, the youngest of 10 children. Arlene was always a lovely person in looks, spirit and deeds. She had a long and fairly happy life, however, from what I know. I am very sorry to read this.

  8. Aunt Arlene and Uncle Jack are back together. What outstanding Christians. Faith, family and friends were driving forces in their lives. We frequently talked by phone with Aunt Arlene after Uncle Jack passed. She remained independent and in good spirits passing on information from our many relatives in other states and always preparing for her next challenge. She amazed us with the number of shoebox ministry packages she provided every year. She loved sharing the latest on Kim and Sandy and how proud she was of them. We loved her very much.

  9. She was my 1st grade teacher at Lawndale Elementary 64 years ago. I have never forgotten her warmth and smile. (I was the teacher’s pet) She is now reunited with her loved ones on the streets of gold.

  10. We know Aunt Arlene has been reunited with Uncle Jack, her siblings, parents and more. What a beautiful person inside and out who always was so graceful. We will miss you in our earthly life but will meet with you again.

  11. What a wonderful lady and teacher!! Our daughters Carissa and Channing were very blessed to have such a loving and caring lady for their First Grade teacher at Margaret Wills. She enriched so many young lives.

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