Arlene Ford, 95, of Brooklyn, died on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Brooklyn Community Estates and under the care of Essence of Life Hospice of Amana.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 am, Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Malcom. Interment will be at Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Brooklyn Ruritan Club.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Smith Funeral Home in Brooklyn, and her family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

Memorials may be designated to Camp Courageous, Trinity Lutheran Church, or to the Brooklyn Public Library and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 342, Brooklyn, IA 52211. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family online at www.smithfh.com.

Arlene was born on February 21, 1930, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Fred and Emma (Rubenbauer) Rohde. She was raised in Marshalltown and graduated from Marshalltown High School with the Class of 1948. She went on to attend Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she earned her teaching certificate and later her Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa.

Arlene was united in marriage to Delmar C. Ford, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. They raised their four children—Larry, Loren, Hank, and Susie—on the family farm near Brooklyn.

A dedicated educator, Arlene spent many years shaping young minds as a teacher in the BGM and HLV Schools. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom; she served on the BGM School Board for 11 years, a role that brought her great pride—especially when she had the unique honor of awarding high school diplomas to four of her grandchildren.

Arlene lived a life grounded in faith. A devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Malcom, she served as a Bible study teacher and found joy in sharing her beliefs with others. She was also active in her community as a water aerobics instructor, inspiring others to stay active and connected.

Known for her love of driving nice cars, her resourceful nature, and her unwavering Christian values, Arlene will be remembered for the many lives she touched—with grace, kindness, and strength. She made a lasting impact on her community, her students, and most of all, her family.

Arlene is survived by four children, Larry (Denise) Ford, Loren (Sharon) Ford, Hank (Sherry) Ford, Susie (Daryl) Brau; six grandchildren Chris (Jenna) Ford, Nicki (Andy) Miller, Stefanie and Elliot Ford, Danny and Scott (Jordyn) Brau; five great-grandchildren, Tatum and Korbin Ford, Riley and Addisyn Miller, and Raven Brau; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delmar Ford in 2019; and her siblings, Evelyn Williams, Eleanor Ervin, Fred Rohde, Velma Eibs Gunderson, and Leroy Rohde; and twin infant great-grandchildren, Hayden and Carter Miller.