On Aug. 4, 1953, the greatest woman you will ever meet was born, her name was Arlene Marie Anderson.

When she was 15 she met Charles “Chuck” Pruett and they were married. She then became Arlene Pruett, which in this community is a well known name.

In 2004 she married Rick Lavoie and became Arlene Lavoie, which is what she will be remembered by. Most of us just called her “Mom,” “Grandma,” “sister,” “wife” and friend.

Arlene loved taking family trips: camping at Lake Pillsbury, hunting in Utah and Colorado, rafting at Cache Creek, and yes, of course driving her race car No. 77 and No. 48, which she was driving when she became the first woman champion at Lakeport Speedway

She is survived by her husband, Rick Lavoie; her five children, Paul and wife Gigi Pruett, Kelly and husband Todd Coburn, Tracy and husband Jason Irwin, Wendy and husband Danny McIntire, and Barbara and husband Matthew Gunn.

She had a dozen grandchildren: Andrew and Alex Pruett, Casey and Corey Crawford, Melissa and Kevin Coburn, Scott and Alison Irwin, Nolan Forsythe, Elizabeth McIntire, and Isabelle and Danielle Gunn.

She also was blessed with a great-grandchild; Caleb Crawford, and four remaining sisters, JoAnne, Donna, Janet, and Elaine also many nieces and nephews.

She was not a rich woman monetarily, but in love she was the wealthiest woman ever. She was a very family orientated person, she lived for her children and their children, and in passing she was surrounded by them all. She knew she was a much-loved woman, and will be greatly missed.

Service will be held at the Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport, Calif., at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23. Please join her family in celebrating her wonderful life.

She had many friends and loved ones, too many to list which is why an account in memory of Arlene has been set up at Mendo Lake Credit Union in lieu of flowers to assist the family with expenses.

Any monies remaining will be donated in her name to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Lake County. Cancer may have won this round but if we all help maybe a cure can be found.

Arrangements entrusted to Jones Mortuary FD311, Lakeport, Calif.