R. Arps Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

ARPS, R. Caroline Age 76, of Centerville, formerly of Bellbrook, passed away Thursday April 29, 2004 at Hospice of Dayton. Caroline was born August 4, 1927 in Montividio, Minnesota to Ida Marie (Warweg) and Bernard Woodman Alvey. Caroline retired from Sugarcreek Schools where she worked as a fifth grade teacher, often team-teaching with Gen Klyce. She was one of the founding members of the Bellbrook Historical Society, member of Centerville Historical Society, and a member of the Southminster Presbyterian Church since about 1960 where she was very active in their food pantry. She was a Kettering Hospital volunteer for over 15 years. Caroline, along with a friend, Carol Firchow, published a video about the Sugarcreek Township area "one room schoolhouses." She was the driving force behind the 3rd grade field trips teaching the children the history of the Bellbrook area, and co-hosted with Bob Gooding, the walking tours of that program. Caroline was a member of Quail Run Tennis Club and was active in about five bridge clubs and thoroughly enjoyed her time with them. She was preceded in death by her husband Anton G. "Tony" Arps (April 11, 1995). Caroline is survived by two daughters Vicky Hancock & her husband Mark of Evansville, Indiana, Teena Messer & her husband Jim of Bellbrook, three grandchildren, Ryan & Diana Messer and Ashley Hancock, one sister Mary Alvey of Wheatridge, Colorado, sister-in law Darlene Griffith of Lady Lake, Florida, & one nephew Robert Flannery of Florida. The family will receive friends Saturday May 1 from 10-11 am at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 7001 Far Hills Ave., Centerville. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. David Jongewaard officiating. Interment in Bellbrook Cemetery. Refreshments and fellowship to follow the interment at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Historical Society, 3206 Lower Bellbrook Rd., Spring Valley, Ohio 45370. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.ConnerandKoch.com. Caroline's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Kettering Hospital, Southview Hospital, and Hospice of Dayton for their tender loving care.