The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Arlene F. Fisher Ophus, 82, passed away at Northern Montana Hospital on Nov. 17, 2021, after seeing all her children earlier that day. She was born to Frank and Ethel Fisher in Fort Benton. Arlene attended school at Lone Tree School and Big Sandy High School and married Lester R. Ophus on October 10, 1955. Together they had seven children.

Arlene took great pride in her yard and her garden but most of all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her finest memories were adventures with her family. Any time she spent with her family meant the most to her. She was a member of the Methodist Church and served as treasurer for the Coats for Kids.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Lester R. Ophus; infant sons, Leonard and Lester Ophus; infant daughter, Catherine Ophus; grandsons, Jordan Hanson and Clay Morse; and brothers, Jim and Dick Fisher.

Arlene is survived by her children, Lorrie (Paul) Hanson, Box Elder, MT, Debbie (James) Degner, Grass Range, MT, Kenny (Kathy) Ophus, Grass Range, MT, and Tom (Vickie) Ophus, Conrad, MT; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in the Big Sandy Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. This will be a joint burial with military honors provided for her beloved husband Lester Ophus. A reception will follow at the Jerry Martin Memorial Hall in Big Sandy. Memorial donations are suggested to Coats for Kids or the Havre Fire Department.