Frances Arlene Earhart

On June 15, 2025, Arlene Earhart of Albion, Illinois died peacefully at the home of her daughter in Evansville, Indiana. Frances Arlene was born on January 27, 1933, to her parents Rev. Henry L. and Helen Frances (Colwell) Metcalf in Wamac, Illinois. Although she was named Frances after her mother and maternal great-grandmother, she always went by her middle name.

Growing up a Methodist preacher’s child, the family moved several times to various small towns in southern Illinois eventually ending up in Albion in 1948. She graduated from Albion High School (now Edwards County High School) in 1950. While in Albion she met Benjamin Harlin Earhart (also a preacher’s child) and they married on August 30, 1952. For the first few years of their marriage, they lived in Evansville, Indiana but moved back to Albion in1957 once they started a family.

Ben loved to travel so throughout their 62-year marriage Arlene and Ben traveled to all fifty states, Canada, Europe, and went on several Caribbean cruises. Her favorite place that she always wanted to go back to was Alaska. In later years, they also spent a few weeks in the winter in Florida at the beach and visiting with family. Gatlinburg was also a favorite family destination. Arlene enjoyed going to various family events and attending as many of David’s ball games as possible.

Arlene was a member of the Albion First United Methodist Church serving in various positions on boards and committees over the years as well as singing in the choir. She loved the old traditional hymns which she grew up with.

She loved working out in the yard and in her flower beds. After her children were grown, she briefly went back to college to pursue her goal of becoming a nurse but travel and family events took precedence. She enjoyed watching hummingbirds.

Arlene is survived by her children Marilyn (Mark) Atteberry, Kathy Earhart, and David (Lucy) Earhart. She was the proud “Gram” to Michelle (Jimmy) Messina, Holly (Cody) Bolen, and Haley Earhart. She is also survived by her great-granddaughters Alyssa and Alexis Messina and Myla and newborn Bayler Bolen and several nieces and nephews.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ben (2015), infant baby sister Mary Frances, brother Henry Metcalf, and sisters Joyce Warren and Marge Stewart.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mohammed Allaw and all caregivers for their care over the last few years.

Visitation will be held at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion, IL on Monday, June 30, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. with funeral services at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Albion. Memorials can be made at the funeral home to Edwards County Heritage Preservation Society, Inc.

Ingram Meridith Funeral Home in Albion, IL