In the early morning of Friday September 10, 2021, Arleta Agnes Pilcher (91) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

She was born March 21, 1930 in New Meadows, Idaho to Earl William Collins and Pearl Eckman Collins. Arleta was the youngest of the bunch and grew up with four older brothers: Vern, Oren, Gene, and Leroy. Sadly, they had to say an early goodbye to their father, Earl, when he passed away from a car accident. Arleta was only four years old.

Arleta moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1949 with her husband, Leonard Herbert Pilcher. Their family soon grew, and they had three children: Gwen, Warren, and Glen. Arleta shared her birthday with her son, Warren, and she liked to share that special fact with those she met.

In 1983 she moved to Washington and soon settled in Anacortes where she spent the later part of her life. With her generous spirit, she quickly became ingrained into the community. She was an avid member of the Elks and ran many fundraisers for the Children's Therapy Program and the Scholarship Program. She also helped with the kid's Christmas shopping day, wrapped many shoe boxes, and helped the kids pick out presents for their mothers. She helped plan Veteran's Day activities, prepared lunches, and knitted countless blankets, hats, and mittens for veterans. There is a life size portrait of Arleta at the entrance of the Elks Lodge in Anacortes to honor her service.

She loved serving her community and found ways to do so in almost every way you can imagine. She prepared and delivered Meals on Wheels, volunteered at the Oyster Run every year, worked at the Senior Center serving lunches and supervising activities, and knitted hats for premature babies at the hospital. She was also a member of the Eagles and helped prepare and serve Thanksgiving meals.

Arleta was a well-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a passion for dressing up at Halloween and handing out candy. She would always make sure to visit her grandchildren at school in full costume. She happily taught her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to do some of her favorite activities including but not limited to knitting, making jam, canning, and playing games. Sunday dinner at her house was a tradition for the family, and everyone loved getting together and spending time with her. Unsurprisingly, the local grandchildren always wanted to go to GG's house to see her.

Arleta was a very special person and loved everyone. If someone needed a hand, whether it was money or something else, she always did what she could do to help. Her wit and sense of humor brought smiles to everyone she met. She had many friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her brothers Vern (1991), Oren (1994), Gene (1998), and Leroy Collins (2018); son Glen Pilcher (2007); son-in-law Vern McMillan (2008), and her partner Stanley Jewell (2015). She is survived by her daughter Gwen McMillan of Fairbanks, Alaska; son Warren Pilcher [Dawnstarr] of Anacortes, Washington; daughter-in-law Audrey Pilcher [Glen] of Fairbanks, Alaska; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

To share memories of Arleta, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/arleta-pilcher