Arlene Faye DeJaynes, 92, of Galesburg, died at 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Knox County Nursing Home.
She was born January 1, 1933, in Quincy, the daughter of L.R. and Dorothy (Herron) Miller. She married Emil E. DeJaynes on September 17, 1955, in Quincy. He preceded her in death on January 5, 1994, after nearly 39 years of marriage.
She is survived by four sons, Greg (Susan) DeJaynes of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Bryan DeJaynes of Galesburg, Barry (Kathy) DeJaynes of Galesburg, and Robert (Paula) DeJaynes of Oneida; 14 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and a sister, Carol Skirvin of Quincy. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Paul on June 25, 2006; and brother-in-law, James Skirvin.
Arlene grew up in the small rural community of La Prairie, Illinois where she cherished her time spent riding work horses, bottle feeding calves, finding arrowheads in the plowed fields and playing with her younger sister, Carol. Her happiest memory was the day she married Emil in Quincy, Illinois. They were happily married for 39 years. In 1956, they settled in Galesburg, Illinois where they spent their next chapter wrangling their five rambunctious boys. Arlene worked as a telephone operator, however her most rewarding job was providing day care for young families, never setting prices but only accepting what they could afford. Arlene was an active and devoted member of the Hope Wesleyan Church, serving many roles throughout the years. Arlene excelled at bowling and golf, loved travel and card games with her girlfriends. Out of all of Arlene’s accomplishments, her family was always her greatest source of pride and joy. Arlene treasured watching her grandchildren’s many sporting events and activities. Her family will always fondly remember her loving, consistent presence and her sweet serenade, “I love you, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, yes I do, yes I do”.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Brian Sexton officiating. Burial will be with Emil in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Wesleyan Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
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