Obituary: Mcvey, Arleen B.
Age 91
(Age 91) Passed away November 30, 2013 at Brookdale Place, Harbor Crest in Spokane, WA.
Arleen was born in Spokane on May 11, 1922 to Charles and Ruby McBean.
She was the youngest of four children.
Attending North Central High School and growing up across from Corbin Park, Arleen spent her youth ice skating and playing tennis with her lifelong childhood friend, Betty Bowman Broadwell.
She attended the University of Idaho and pledged Delta Gamma.
After college, Arleen returned to Spokane and worked in her father’s dental office as an assistant.
There she met her husband, Kenneth McVey.
The couple had a six month courtship and married in 1943.
They were married for 69 years.
After marrying, the couple was stationed in the Southern US during WWII.
In 1948, they moved to Seattle while Kenneth attended the University Washington School of Dentistry.
Arleen and Kenneth welcomed their first child during that time, Kent.
In 1952, the couple returned to Spokane and built their family home where they resided for nearly 55 years.
They had two other children, Kevin and Molly.
Arleen’s years with her family in their home and neighborhood brought her much happiness and fulfillment.
Arleen and Joanie Miller (a neighborhood friend) were young entrepreneurs in the neighborhood.
One fall, the two friends collected pinecones, chestnuts, and acorns at Manito Park and proceeded to make decorative Christmas trees.
Much to their surprise, the Crescent Department Store bought and sold their trees.
Her daughter describes her mother as “The best mother and friend a daughter could possibly have,” she will be missed.
Arleen is survived by her three children; two grandchildren, K.C.
McVey Jr. and Patsy Bryant along with three great-grandchildren.
Many thanks to the staff at Harbor Crest, Alderwood Manor, Family Home Care and Hospice of Spokane in assisting in her care.
Donations in Arleen’s remembrance may be sent to Hospice of Spokane or the Spokane Humane Society.
A memorial reception will be held in the near future.