Arlene Gulliver Obituary

Arlene McDermott Gulliver

Arlene Gulliver died September 3, 2013 surrounded by family in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Gertrude Arlene McDermott was born on September 8, 1922 in Moville, Iowa, to parents Fred Leonard McDermott and Charlotte Day McDermott. Her great grandfather, John B. McDermott, founded the town of Moville named after his hometown, Moville, Ireland. She attended Wayne State College and graduated from the University of Iowa, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with an English major. During WWII, she taught high school biology and English classes in Perry, Iowa. She later worked as a supervisor of

proof-readers at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. After her three children were grown, she taught preschool in Ralston, Nebraska.

On her first day as a member of the Wayne State College band, she met a young clarinet player named Art Gulliver. Four years later, she married Arthur William Gulliver on September 9, 1943, at the First Federated Methodist Church in Moville, Iowa. They were married for 69 years during which they shared together the joys of music, gardening, travel, wonderful friends, church and family.

Mrs. Gulliver was an accomplished needlework artist and a member of the Needlework Guild of America. She earned her first blue ribbon for needlework at the age of 9 in 1932 at the Woodbury, Iowa County Fair for an embroidered child's quilt. She earned her last blue ribbon at the Douglas County, Nebraska Fair in 1997. Her Christmas tree was decorated with handmade needlework ornaments she made each year, one for each of her ten grandchildren. She also enjoyed oil painting and studied with local teachers for many years.

Arlene was a member of the Ralston United Church of Christ for over 50 years and a member of the chancel choir and circle groups, and served as volunteer church librarian. She collected antiques and was a member of the Quester's Club. She also served as a Camp Fire Girls leader and participated in the Douglas County Extension Clubs.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, who died February 11, 2013, her parents and her sister, Florine McDermott Riehm.

Arlene is survived by her three children: Jeanne Kros (Mike), Crescent, Iowa; Judy Burch (John), Lawrence, Kansas; and Bruce Gulliver (Deb Habel), Portland, Oregon.

She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Tomi Cole, Glenwood, Iowa; Jonathan Pearce, (Kate), St. Paul, Minnesota; Tyler Pearce, (Maria), Olathe, Kansas; Lauren Pearce, Lawrence, Kansas; Jenna Stanley, Ralston Nebraska; Evan Stanley (Layna), Glenwood, Iowa; Melissa and Charlotte Burch, Lawrence, Kansas; and Ian and Kirk Gulliver, Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Taylor; Trygve; Aiden and Deagan.

Private burial at Evergreen Cemetery on Monday, September 9th followed by a Memorial Service at Ralston United Church of Christ at 11:00 am. Visitation from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 8th at Heafey, Heafey, 7805 W Center Road, Omaha, Nebraska.

Memorial suggested to the Ralston United Church of Christ.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World from Sep. 8 to Sep. 9, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Gulliver

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Today we are remembering Arlene with great fondness, as well as Art. My mom, Laura Lee Malcom Beyer, started kindergarten with Arlene and went all the way through 12th grade with her. I've heard stories all my life about Arlene and Art Gulliver. We send our most heartfelt condolences.

Jeanne Beyer

September 21, 2013

Dear Bruce, Judy and Jean,
I am sorry to hear the news of your mother's passing. I remember her as a wonderful friend and neighbor. I did not know about your dad's passing until now. Of course I remember him as a beautiful gardener and a master in the choir. God bless you all and bring you His love and peace.

Rose Gabriel

September 11, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Arlene. She was such a joyful and talented person and great neighbor, and I will NEVER forget all wonderful times at the house, practicing music with Judy, Blue Birds, Camp Fire Girls, and LOTS of other fun. She will always have a special place in my memories. I wish I could join everyone this weekend to celebrate her life. Know that I will be there in spirit and heart, with Love, Peace and Blessings to the Gulliver family,

Ann Jackson Bodwin

September 6, 2013

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Arlene Gulliver's name

Memorial Events
for Arlene Gulliver

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel

7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124

How to support Arlene's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Arlene Gulliver's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more