Sharlene (Slack) Arden was peacefully released from the chains of cancer in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 2, 2020, at the age of 75 in Raymond, Washington.

Sharlene was born in Seattle on July 19, 1944. After her family moved to Forks Washington in 1954, she graduated from Forks High School in 1962. The next 15 years she was very busy raising her three children with her then-husband, Ron Arden, in El Paso, Texas. She spent several years helping others as a caregiver in a skilled nursing unit in El Paso until eventually making her way back to Forks to care for her aging mother, Eileen Henserling and stepfather, Verne Henserling. After they passed, she remained in her beloved “Pacific Northwest”.

Sharlene was always kind to all she met, and intent on feeding everyone, both two and four-legged “friends”. She enjoyed reading murder mysteries, and later, watching them on tv. She very often said she would have liked being a forensic scientist if she could skip the science part. Her hands were like machines when it came to crocheting afghans for all occasions. Those who are lucky enough to have one in their possession truly are blessed. Two years ago, her friend, Lori, put together an Amtrak train trip for the two of them to visit Sharlene’s family in El Paso. She would smile every time she would remember and tell everyone what a wonderful time she had.

She leaves behind her three children, Irene Arden-Arenivas (Jorge), Matt Arden (Kathy), and Mark Arden all from El Paso, Tx., three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her sister Sally Slack (Rick Lilleberg) of Indio, CA and her nephew Steven Zoffel of Forks, WA. She also leaves her “bestest” friend of over 30 years, Lori Benton, of Raymond, WA. who was of great comfort and help to her, especially over these last 6 months. Sharlene’s beloved feline family member, “Kitty”, is now taking care of auntie Lori.

Many thanks to the Willapa Harbor Care Center and the wonderful caregiving staff who made her last months comfortable and with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Arrangements are in care of Stoller’s Mortuary in Raymond, Washington. You may visit www.StollersMortuary.com to leave condolences for the family.