Arlene Helen Grafmiller

Arlene Helen Grafmiller, a lifelong resident of the Spokane area, passed away at home on October 13, 2026 at the age of 89 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Arlene was born May 29, 1937 at Deaconess Hospital to Kenneth and Helen Strong. She was later joined by 3 siblings, Dean, Loretta and Barbara. The family lived in the Opportunity area of the Spokane Valley, on Half Moon Prairie, on Wild Rose Prairie, and near Deer Park.

Arlene met her future husband on the school bus on her first day of freshman year at Mead High School. She and Emerson Grafmiller were high school sweethearts, graduating in 1955, then marrying in Spokane in 1958. Arlene became an RN, graduating from the Deaconess School of Nursing that same year. She worked at Deaconess Hospital, Deer Park Hospital, a primary care clinic, and skilled nursing facilities around Spokane at various times in her life.

After living and working in Spokane for 2 years, Arlene and Emerson moved back to Half Moon Prairie and bought his grandparents’ farm, the site of the famous Grafmiller’s dance barn. Over the many years as a farmer’s wife, Arlene raised 4 children, Craig, Kristi, Kathy and Cory, and supported the family’s activities (school, church, music, sports, 4-H, waterskiing, snowmobiling, and more.) She was a member of The Order of Eastern Star and the Half Moon Grange. She had a strong commitment to her faith and was active in church. Arlene and Emerson were founding members of Country Homes Christian Church in 1960, where she served as deaconess, then were active members of Whitworth Presbyterian Church since 2000. She and Emerson sang in church choirs from 1960 until 2023.

Arlene enjoyed her family, being a grandmother, making delicious meals, trying new recipes, hosting gatherings, visiting with family and friends, gardening, decorating, and traveling. In retirement years, she discovered she had a talent for coloring. For many years, she and Emerson enjoyed ballroom dancing, which brought them time together and many new friends, at Eagles Lodges and other Spokane venues.

Over the last year of her life, Emerson devotedly cared for Arlene, and she was surrounded by family as she passed away at home. Arlene is survived by her husband of 68 years; children Craig (Jennifer), Kristi (Ken) Spencer, Kathy Owens, and Cory; grandchildren Christopher, Carey, Donielle, Jonathan, Jarod, Jordan, and Kylee; and 2 great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Loretta (David) Evans and Barbara, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dean. Burial was by Riplinger Funeral Home at Wayside Cemetery on Half Moon Prairie, attended by close family members.

A memorial service will be held at Whitworth Presbyterian Church Friday, November 13th, 2026 at 1:00 pm with a reception immediately following. Donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane or other healthcare organizations of your choice.