Mrs. B. Arlene (Kunsman) Dravis, 88, of Schellsburg, died at 5:30 PM, Thursday, April 16th, 2015 at Altoona Hospital Center For Nursing.
Mrs. Dravis was born in Carnegie on August 22, 1926, the daughter of the late Melvin and Sara Dorothy (Wissinger) Kunsman. She grew up in the Walnut Grove neighborhood of Johnstown with her mother and sister Pearl.
After graduating Johnstown High School, she and her sister moved to Washington DC and worked at the Pentagon during WWII. She returned to Johnstown after the war, married Richard J Dravis, settled in Geistown. In the early 1970's, moved to Schellsburg, PA.
Arlene worked intermittently as a census taker after her sixth child entered school, and then full time at the Bedford Pennsylvania Unemployment Office until retirement. Friends recognized Arlene, As 'the lady who filed their claims' for many years afterwards.
After retirement, she volunteered providing free tax preparation for the low income and seniors. She was quite social, and she enjoyed roller skating with friends at roller rinks. When children arrived, that transitioned to a neighborhood Pinochle club during the 1950's, 60's and early 70's. In her later years she enjoyed bingo, auctions, eating out, and church going.
She lived with her youngest Son, Donald Sr. who cared for her, and her grandson Gavin Dravis.
She was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Bedford, And occasionally attended The United Church of Schellsburg.
She was preceded by Her husband, Richard, Feb 23rd 2005.
She is survived by her six children; Son- Richard T. husband of Carol Dravis, Westport, CT; Daughter- Nancy A. Dravis, Ellicott City, MD; Son- John M. husband of Cathryn Dravis, Savannah, GA; Daughter- Ellen wife of Roger Kennedy, Waynesboro; Daughter- Susan M. wife of George Rogers, Lincolnville, ME; Son- Donald P. Dravis, Schellsburg. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Pearl Vogel.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Bedford. at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 21st, 2015 with Father Donald Dusza celebrant.
Committal will be held at Bedford County Memorial Park.
Friends are invited to call on Monday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home in Schellsburg, where a vigil for the deceased will be held at 7:30 PM.