Ila Arlene Saulter

Ila Arlene Saulter

COUDERSPORT, Pa.---Ila Arlene Saulter, known to her family and friends as Arlene (aka Harley-Arley), departed her loving family on Monday, October 2, 2023. Arlene was born in Roulette on July 9, 1933 to Dorothy and Wayne Knowlton. Arlene was the last survivor of seven siblings.

Arlene married George E. Saulter in 1948 and was mother to four children, whom she raised in Coudersport with love, devotion, and many a stern look. Arlene was predeceased by her husband George, her daughter Georgeanna, and her granddaughter Amy. Arlene is survived by her children, Connie (Carey Burch), David, and Daniel (Stephanie Carpenter), and son-in-law Richard Chapell. She is also survived by her grandchildren, David E. Saulter (Amanda Sahl), Austen Saulter (Betty Hooftallen), Sheldon Carpenter, Sheila Holleran, Allan Chapell (Carrie Spencer), and Andrew Chapell (Becky); six great-grandchildren, Corbin (Kassidi), Beau, and Hailey Chapell, Makayla and Grayce Holleran, and Ella Saulter; two great-great-grandchildren, Brody and Wesley Chapell.

Arlene was know and respected for her strength of will and outspoken nature. She was a fierce defender of her family and friends, and could be equally fierce at disciplining her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed a good joke, a glass or two of wine, and cooking for her family. She reveled in her nickname of “Harley-Arley” and the many stories her son-in-law made up about her. Although she enjoyed traveling with her children, her biggest joy was being home, sitting on her front porch and gazing at her newly mown lawn.

In addition to raising her family (and keeping an eye on George), Arlene helped with the family farm and worked for Pure Carbon until her retirement in 1998. Since her retirement, she was actively involved with the Hebron Township Election Board, the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion, Trout Unlimited’s Healing Waters events, and the Oswayo Valley Senior Center. Arlene was also an enthusiastic participant in many family gatherings, cookouts, and celebrations around town; her baking skills were particularly valued by all who sampled her contributions.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Arlene’s name to the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, PO Box 671, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To honor Arlene’s life and add to our memories of her, a celebration of her life will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Coudersport American Legion, Buffalo Street, Coudersport. Please bring a memory of Arlene to share.

Arlene entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Arlene, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.