Lois Arlene Geiser, 73, died July 4, 2013, at home with her family. She was born Oct. 16, 1939, in Bluffton to Sidney and Thelma (Wingate) Balmer, who preceded her in death. She married Ron Geiser July 1, 1961, and he survives.

Also surviving are sons Jon (Sara), Byron, Mich., and Deron (Michele), Bluffton, and daughter Kamala (Eric) Renick, Cincinnati. Grandchildren are Sam, Shane and Zac Geiser, Byron, Mich.; Kristi and Jaret Geiser, Bluffton; and Sydney and Ethan Renick, Cincinnati.

Others surviving are sisters Ellen (Ron) Erney, St. Clair Shores, Mich., and Nancy (Sharl) Steiner, Bluffton; and brother Gene Balmer, Bluffton, along with many nieces and nephews.

Arlene was a graduate of Bluffton High School and Bluffton College, and had taken graduate courses in education. She taught more than 16 years in public schools, primarily in elementary and special education, and was teacher-director of Bluffton Community Preschool four years.

She loved music, for years serving as church organist, primarily at Emmanual UCC, where she grew up, and in later years at First Mennonite Church. She taught private piano lessons several years and often was piano accompanist for Mennonite Memorial Home services.

She also was a volunteer for many years at Bluffton’s Et Cetera Shop. Besides being active in church organizations, she was member of Travel Class, Bluffton Women’s Bridge Club and the couples Ice Cream Bridge Club.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Bluffton First Mennonite Church. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton.

Contributions can be made to the Geiser Scholarship Fund at Bluffton University, Bridge Hospice at Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center or Bluffton First Mennonite Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.chiles-lamanfh.com