Arlene K. (Borneman) Butts Umstead, formerly married to the late Charles Butts and then married to the late Victor Umstead, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Phoenixville Hospital in Pennsylvania.
Born on November 1, 1931, in Schwenksville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Herbet Borneman and Florence (Kulp) Borneman.
Arlene was the organist for 65 years at Falkner Swamp United Church of Christ, where she was a lifetime member. Very musically talented, in addition to the organ, she played the French horn and piano, and was a proud trombonist in the Penn State marching band during her college years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Penn State and master’s in reading education from Temple University. Arlene taught 2nd grade for more than 20 years in the Boyertown Area School District, where she was a reading education specialist. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women.
An avid traveler, Arlene visited 72 different countries in her lifetime and, with Sister Cities International, helped send medical supplies to Ukraine in the 1990s. In addition to playing musical instruments, she was also skilled at cross-stitching and quilting. One of her favorite pastimes was dressing up in 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania German period clothing to attend the annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival in Perkiomenville.
Surviving is her loving daughter Linda Barbod, wife of Martin; grandchildren Anthony Bello, Noah Bello, husband of Juliet, and Alissandra Bello, wife of Josh; great-grandchildren Simon Mehler Bello and Siena Mehler Bello.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Falkner Swamp UCC (2077 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA 19525, (610) 323-4053). Burial will follow at Falkner Swamp UCC Cemetery with a reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Falkner Swamp UCC in Arlene’s name.