Arlene A. Barlow passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, in Spokane, WA. She was born on December 29,1927 on her family ranch in Willow Creek, Montana. Arlene was the daughter of Willis A. and Bina Lane Albro and one of nine children. She had five brothers and three sisters; and they lived on a ranch two miles from town. Willow Creek physician, Dr. Bradbury, traveled to the ranch through deep snow to deliver Arlene. His fee was $5.00.

Growing up in the Depression Era Montana, Arlene’s hardworking family created many memories ice skating on their ponds, walking through their fields to school, lending a hand to neighbors and to those from other places passing through the ranch seeking work.

World War II defined Arlene’s high school years. Her three older brothers served on every front. She graduated from Willow Creek High School with honors in 1946. Her favorite activities were music and sports. She played girls basketball for four years in high school and two years in college. She graduated from the University of Montana Western in 1948 where she was a cheerleader and served in student government.

She married Earl J. Barlow, her college sweetheart, in June 1948 in Three Forks, Montana with a reception held at the ranch. Their children are Cheryl, Charlene, Diane, Sheila, Michael, and Marie, along with 12 grandchildren, and 9 great children. Arlene considered her family her greatest accomplishment, raising healthy, happy, and successful children.

A gifted pianist, Arlene shared her love of music throughout her life. She played the organ for Mass in Hot Springs and Browning, Montana and often said she loved every piano she met. From “Rhapsody in Blue” to “In the Mood”, she played pianos in the lodges of Glacier Park to the castles in Ireland and Japan.

Arlene taught catechism in Hot Springs, Stevensville, Helena and Browning, Montana. She taught third and fourth grade reading classes in public school and treasured every day she spent with her students.

Arlene was preceded in death by infant daughter Joann and husband of 75 years, Earl J. Barlow. 

In Arlene’s memory, please support your schoolteachers and provide every child with the joy of music and reading.

The Barlow family wishes to extend warmest wishes and deepest thanks to the staff and residents of Touchmark on South Hill in Spokane, WA.