Arlene Willoughby Hellwig

Arlene Willoughby Hellwig of Tifton, GA, joined her husband Bob in heaven on August 19, 2024. She was 98 years old.

Visitation will be at Albritton Funeral Home on Friday, August 23 from 5-7 P.M.. Her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 24 at 10 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church, Tifton, GA, with burial following at Tift Memorial Gardens.

Eric Pilkenton, Keith Fuller, Ron Townsend, Danny Townsend, David Willoughby, Dean Willoughby, Grant Willoughby will serve as Pallbearers.

Arlene was born on April 10, 1926 in Pickaway County Ohio to Ralph and Ruth Willoughby, both deceased. She graduated from Scioto Township School and was employed with Dun & Bradstreet in Columbus and then the Belt Corporation in Orient until they moved to Florida. After moving to Florida and then to Georgia, she devoted her time to being a fulltime homemaker, housewife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, jobs from which she never retired.

Arlene and her family were charter members of Peace Lutheran Church in Tifton where they were active in the ministry of the church. Arlene was in the altar guild and Lutheran Women, and taught Sunday School for many years. She made banners and many other crafted items for the church. Arlene and Bob spent many hours at Peace Lutheran with whatever work needed to be done. God and their faith were their center.

Arlene was very community active. She and Bob were active in Lake Drive Elementary (now Len Lastinger) PTA. They were actively involved in Tift County High School Choral Parents. Arlene was at the initial meeting for Tifton’s Meal on Wheels program and delivered meals for many years. She served as Memorial Chairman for the Tifton Chapter of the American Cancer Society, a role she held for many years.

 Arlene grew up on a farm in Ohio and she brought her mother’s incredible cooking to her own table. As she learned on the farm, she also spent the summer putting up corn and tomatoes to last until the next harvest season. There was much laughter on the days spent husking and blanching corn with the family.

 She had a sly sense of humor, a quick wit, warm hugs, and could hit a softball out of the park. She and Bob welcomed many people into their home and they often became “adopted” family members. Arlene and Bob both loved to sing and music was an integral part their lives.

Survivors are her two daughters, Donna Hellwig Rocker of Tifton and Denise McKain of Taylors, SC, Granddaughter Stephanie (Eric) Pilkenton, Granddaughter Lisa (Keith) Fuller, Great Grandchildren Jenna, Lexie, and Ember Pilkenton and Hailey and Perry Fuller. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Her husband of 68 years, Bob Hellwig, predeceased her. Also deceased are her parents, Ralph and Ruth Willoughby, sister Bea Smith and brother, Dr. Dale Willoughby, and sons-in-law Perry McKain and Dwaine Sanders.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or PLC Mission, 604 Tennessee Dr., Tifton, GA 31794 or Hospice of Tift Area, PO Box 747, Tifton Ga. 31793.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.