Arlene Cripps

Arlene B. “Taco Lady” Cripps, 93, of Marshalltown, Iowa, joined her heavenly father on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Funeral services for Arlene will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Central Christian Church with Pastor Loren Strait officiating.  Public visitation will be held one hour prior to services.  Memorial contributions may be directed in Arlene’s name to her family, which will be later designated elsewhere.  For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234.  Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Arlene and her family. Arlene Blanch Schenkle was born on August 2, 1926 in Collins, Iowa, the daughter of William and Orva (Beals) Schenkle.  She attended school in Saint Anthony, Iowa. On May 24, 1947, Arlene was united in marriage to the love of her life, Willard Cripps in Minnesota.  From this union the couple had four children: Doug, Bill, Jeff and Kris.  Arlene was a hardworking woman, dedicating 36 years at Uncle Jacks Taco’s.  That is where the nickname “Taco Lady” originated.  She was a proud member of the Central Christian Church in Marshalltown.  Arlene loved to read, do crossword puzzles and spend time with her family.  She would be the first to tell anyone that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her number one passion in life.  Left to cherish her memory are her children: Doug (Becky) Cripps, Bill (Sandy) Cripps, Jeff Cripps and Kris (Rolland Jr.) Danner; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; siblings: Hildred Spence, Jean Day, Shirley (Richard) Nicholson and Sherry Meier; several nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as her two four legged grand dogs: Tucker and Gidget. She is preceded in death by her husband, Willard Cripps; parents, William and Orva Schenkle; Frances Rowe; Berneice Brownfield; Jane Simons; Wilma Shenkle (in infancy); William Shenkle; John Shenkle, Franklin Shenkle; daughter-in-law, Pam Cripps and one infant great-grandson in infancy.