Arlene Donoven

Arlene Marie Donoven (Pursley) died peacefully after a short bout with cancer on May 29, 2015, at her son's home in Trenton, N.D. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret Mary Church in Big Sandy, Montana, on Monday, June 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Burial will be in the Big Sandy Cemetery.

She was born Dec. 2, 1937 in Havre, to Clarence and Lenore Pursley. Arlene graduated from Kremlin High School in 1956. Soon after high school she married Lyle Donoven and worked as a farm wife for many years in numerous locations along the Hi-Line, including Turner, Malta and Whitewater. After divorcing, Arlene worked at various jobs in Havre. She also lived and worked briefly in the Seattle and Dallas/Fort Worth areas. Her most recent residence was in Great Falls.

During her retirement, Arlene spent many happy hours at home with her dog, Mickey. She took great pride in her flower beds and yard in her Highland Park home in Havre. She also enjoyed visiting with family and friends by phone and by going out for breakfast or lunch.

Arlene had a spunky personality, and she loved to laugh and argue. She will be missed by friends and family.

Arlene was preceded by her mother in 2000 and father in 2007. She was also preceded by her only sibling, Jim Pursley of Chinook in 2013, and by an infant son, Dallas. Arlene is survived by her children, Kay (Jim) Cavanaugh, Dennis (Joyce) Donoven, Dale (Cheryl) Donoven and Jan (Doug) McElvany; and sister-in-law, Connie Pursley; her grandchildren, Desirae Stanford, Lyle Donoven (Kelsey), Nicolas Donoven (Lori), Julia Donoven, Deven Donoven, Darby Donoven, Rian Owens (Kayla) and Tanisha Cavanaugh. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or the Mercy Hospice program in Williston, N.D. Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home of Williston, N.D. is working in conjunction with Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook, Montana. Condolences may be left for the family at http://www.edwardsfuneralhomemt.com.