Arlene Belle Holland Morris was born in the family home on January 12, 1931 to Harry and Belle Holland. She was the 5^th of 6 children born and raised in Bishop, CA. She resided and attended school there her entire childhood. She enjoyed telling family that she was one of the fun ones in school.  Explaining how she spent many hours on Friday afternoons helping the school janitor so she could clear up her “demerits” to attend that nights school dance. She was always so proud of her families history in the Owens Valley especially that of creating and running the local theater now named “Bishop Twin Theater”.  Once she graduated, she attended “Beauty School” in Pasadena and lived with her life long friend Marilyn (Summers) Coons then returning to Bishop she worked as a hair stylist for 7 years.  After several years of dating, she married her attractive, smart, talented, successful, story telling, hilarious boyfriend Conrad “Connie” Morris from Big Pine, CA. Together they had two children-Neil Vernon Morris and Kristin Arlene Carr (Morris). Conrad, working in the phone industry, was consistently transferred while climbing the corporate ladder. She played a big part in his successful career as she supported him in every move and always made sure Neil and Kristin lived in a nice home and attended the best schools.  They were fortunate to have shared many travels to far away lands not only with Connies job but with dear friends as well.  Arlene orchestrated moves leaving Bishop to Victorville, CA., Minden, NV., Apple Valley, CA., Bellevue, WA., Richardson, TX., Spokane, WA., then to Gig Harbor, WA., where Connie retired.  From  there, they moved “home” to Bishop, CA., and spent over 30 years with family and old friends. Arlene lived life to the fullest. In fact, her niece recently shared with her that “even at 93, my friends refer to you as “the cool Aunt”.. She was so happy to be back in Bishop with her siblings, family and most of all, grandkids, Whitney and Garrett.  Because of her (Nana) and Connie (Papa), Whitney and Garrett both have a love for golf. She enjoyed their company and loved them more than she thought possible.  Some of her favorite memories were when they would get off the school bus to spend the afternoon at their house.  Papa would set up a truck stop café and serve hot dogs and make them laugh. The next best thing that happened to her was the gift of her great grandchildren – Brynn Merritt and Brooks Conrad Carr. She adored them both. Arlene had many interests throughout her life such as golfing, knitting, bowling, playing Bridge, reading, watching NFL football & professional golf, hosting parties and entertaining. Later in life she found much joy in spending time with her lovely sister Bonnie or having lunch with her friends.  She and her surviving “baby brother” Howard had a sweet relationship as well.  They enjoyed keeping each other company and reminising about their life and times together. She should have written a book about her life, especially the stories about growing up in a small home with 6 kids – it would have been a best seller. Arlene was blessed by a large loving family. She and her daughter had a wonderful relationship and were truly best friends – two peas in a pod who loved each other dearly. She was also blessed with a kind and helpful son-in-law, Robert Carr who she loved and appreciated very much.  She was kind, giving, thoughtful, generous, accepting, forgiving, funny, very pretty and she will be greatly missed.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Belle Holland, brothers Vernon, Jim, Lynden “Tex” and sister Bonnie. Her husband Conrad and son Neil. She is survived by her brother Howard, daughter Kristin and son-in-law Robert, grandson Garrett & Terees Carr, granddaughter Whitney Carr and great grand children Brynn and Brooks Carr along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Arlene passed away on August 3, 2024 at the Bishop Care Center. Her family would like to express their appreciation for the care she received during her short stay.  The staff was kind, compassionate, professional and caring and the facility was impressively clean and well kept. Thank you to all who cared for her.

In celebration of Arlene’s life, please join us on Saturday, September 7^th, 12:00pm at the Bishop Twin Theatre.