Resident of San Leandro, California, she was the beloved wife of Charles Pershing for 63 years. She was the devoted mother of Shannon Hagins, Charles Pershing, Jr., and Nancy Alfisi. She was also the grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 13, and great-great-grandmother of 10.

Born in Manning, to Robert and Bertha (Vollmer) Kuhl, Arlene worked in her father's restaurant as a girl. She graduated from Manning High School in 1934. During her high school years, she was very involved with the drama department, acting and singing in several shows. She often sang with her uncle's (Pete Kuhl) band. She came to California and worked in the shipyards during WWII where she met her future husband Charles. She went to work for Blue Cross in 1951 and after 27 years of service she retired in 1978.

Arlene and her husband Charles loved to travel and journeyed all over the United States during their retirement years. Arlene loved to sing and sang often for her family as she grew older. Even at the age of 99, she remembered all the words to the songs. Arlene will be remembered with love and missed by all her family and friends.