In Loving Memory of Arlene Wobler

January 24, 1939 to August 14, 2011

Arlene Wobler lived her life to the fullest. A self-taught artist, a passionate cyclist, and a beloved wife and mother, she thrived on new experiences and never backed down from a challenge. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Arlene's response was direct and unafraid: “When I get over this, I'll get back at it.” She never complained, and she never gave up. This site is dedicated to keeping her memory alive, to helping other breast cancer patients, and to assisting the research for a cure.

Arlene was born in Payne, Ohio, on January 24, 1939. She attended St. John's Catholic School for eight years, then transferred to Ohio's Payne High School for her freshman year. Even as a teenager, Arlene was passionate about the arts, and her drawings appeared in the school's newsletter, The Highlight. Although her mother suggested she pursue other things, Arlene refused to budge, and instead developed the talent that would later lead to her successful career as an artist.

and other

Breast Cancer

Patients

Neither time nor a battle with cancer could diminish Arlene's love of new challenges, or her creative ways of tackling them. At 65, after being informed that her breast cancer had metastasized, she decided to take up rollerblading. She purchased a pair, placed them in the corner of the dining room, and then did nothing. After several weeks, she asked her husband Gary Wobler if he would repair a three-wheeled baby stroller. Although she offered no explanation for her request, he did as she'd asked. The next time he came home, the rollerblades were gone. Arlene had taken the stroller, thrown a bag of cat litter in the seat, and used it for balance while she taught herself to skate. After a few practice trips with the stroller, she was able to go out on her own, much to the amazement of the neighborhood kids. Awed by the sight of a rollerblading grandma, they would rush out to greet her as she went by, and Arlene couldn't have been prouder.

This sense of creativity was equally evident in her artwork. After her successful days of drawing for The Highlight in school, Arlene took up painting on pieces of barn boards. As barns began to disappear from the Midwest, she collected as many boards as possible, and built a business that established her fame in the arts and crafts worlds. Unwilling to simply bask in her success, Arlene then taught herself the art of papier-mâché, and soon had more demand for her work than she could keep up with. Seeing this as an opportunity instead of a challenge, she trained people with disabilities to assist her, developing their skill sets while creating beautiful pieces that reflected her high degree of artistic awareness. Her work quickly set a new standard for country décor.

ENESCO, the company behind Precious Moments, took notice. At their request, Arlene created a line called “Wobler Woods,” for which she employed her special eye for blending and talent for bringing out soft colors. While the actual production of the pieces didn't do justice to Arlene's subtle usage of color, resulting instead in a brighter palette, the Wobler Woods figurines still became favorites of many before the line's discontinuation several years later, and remain beloved collectibles today.

Arlene's artistic expertise continued to expand with time, encompassing crafts and quilting and earning her considerable fame. Both she and Gary pushed their careers to the limit, never settling for anything but their personal bests, and they moved with their five children when necessary to enhance their opportunities. In addition to their professional triumphs, the couple met Presidents, became friends with the Secretary of Agriculture, and were even interviewed by the Clinton Administration. Arlene leaves behind a legacy of success, creativity, enthusiasm, and fearless living, and remains an icon of strength and hope to those who knew her.

In her memory, the Wobler family is creating the Pedal4Pink organization.

In keeping with Arlene's passions, the group will help cyclists and rollerbladers raise funds to bolster research in the fight against breast cancer. The family hopes to assist other women in their battle with cancer, while honoring the memory of a woman whose love for life remained unshakeable until the end.

To become a part of Pedal4Pink, please e-mail Gary Wobler at gary.wobler@yahoo.com.

Pictured above: Arlene’s well used rollerblades

Pictured above:

Arlene Wobler enjoying a Hamilton County Artist’s Paint Out in the streets of Noblesville, Indiana

Pictured below:

A hand crafted plaque made by Arlene Wobler celebrating her business relationship with

Wobler Woods figurines

made by

Otagiri, Enesco.

In Arlene’s memory,

the Wobler family is creating the Pedal4Pink Organization

Special Memories of Arlene Wobler, husband Gary Wobler and grandkids