Arlene Tolley

Arlene (Kate) Kay Tolley was born on January 30, 1953, in Flint, Michigan, to Ralph and Cathern Alt. Arlene went home to be with the Lord on October 20, 2025, at the age of 72 in Cleveland, TN, due to complications with dementia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Richard Tolley; her parents, Ralph and Cathern (Henderson) Alt; her sisters, Ruth Love, Evelyn Mean, Maxine Scott, and Beverly Provost; and her brothers, Howard Alt, Ronald Alt, and Leroy Alt.

Arlene is survived by her son, Robert Tolley, and wife, Melinda; grandchildren, Garland Tolley, Adican McMahan, and Genevieve Tolley; her brother, Lawrence Alt, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Growing up in Michigan, she was the youngest of nine children. Her family relocated to Inverness, Florida, where she graduated from Citrus High School in 1972. She worked in banking and later obtained her real estate license, which she maintained throughout her life. She met and married her husband of 43 years, Charles Richard Tolley, in Inverness, Florida. Later, they moved to Tennessee and called Etowah their home for many years.

Arlene's life mission was to help others using her talents in cooking, baking, and candy-making. If she knew you, then you were blessed with her goodies. She was an aviculturist who shared her love of birds with many, hand-raising numerous species throughout her life. She was an avid reader who enjoyed reading books by her favorite author, W. Phillip Keller. She counted gospel singer Michael Combs and his wife, Denise, as dear friends and enjoyed listening to his music while she cooked.

In honor of her memory, the family suggests you share in her legacy by taking a moment in your day to do something nice for others.

The family would like to thank Life Care Nursing Home and its gracious staff for the excellent care they provided her.

A private family service was held at her request.