Cover photo for Mrs. Arline Downs Latham's Obituary
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1920 Mrs. 2013

Mrs. Arline Downs Latham

May 12, 1920 — September 16, 2013

Arline Elizabeth Downs Latham, 93, passed away on September 16 at St. Luke's Hospice House. A memorial service will be held at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Arline will be interned at Forest Hill Cemetery during a family service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to St. Michael and All Angels Church, The Good Samaritan Fund at Aberdeen Village, 17500 W. 119th St, Olathe, Ks. or St. Luke's Hospice House, 4225 Baltimore Ave., K.C. Mo.
Arline Elizabeth Downs, daughter of James and Zepha Downs, was born on May 12, 1920 in Sedalia, Mo. She had one brother, Albert "Kay" Downs. Arline graduated from Smith Cotton High School where she was active in "Spirit" Club, Swing club and Girl Scouts. She had fond memories of youth activities at Calvary Episcopal Church. Arline maintained close relationships with her brother, and her Sedalia schoolmates, throughout her lifetime. She attended Fontbonne College, then earned a degree in art education from University of Missouri, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.
While attending a USO dance at Whiteman Air Base, a young Army flight surgeon caught Arline's eye. A year later, on July 29, 1944, Raymond W. Latham and Arline Downs were married in the St. Mary's Chapel of the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.
Following the war, Ray and Arline settled in Prairie Village, Kansas, where Ray began his pediatric practice and Arline immersed herself in raising her 3 children and participating in community activities. She was an active member of St. Luke's Auxiliary, Medical Staff Wives, Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Club, Chapter FV- P.E.O., and a neighborhood bridge group. She was a Scout leader, and attended countless swim, track, and cross country meets. As a devoted member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Arline served on Altar Guild and the needle point group. In 1952 Ray and Arline joined Homestead Country Club, where they spent many happy times playing tennis, swimming, and dining with family and friends.
Arline had an artist's eye for color and beauty. She studied watercolor painting and traveled to artists' workshops in Maine. When she moved to Aberdeen Village, she continued to paint and enjoy social events, while receiving the gracious care of Aberdeen staff. Arline was a loving, faithful Christian woman who relied on her Lord in all things, and counted her family and friends as her greatest treasures.
Arline is survived by son James D. Latham (Sue), Arlington, TX; son Dennet W. Latham (Claire), Lake Oswego, OR.; daughter Janice L. Ward (Larry), Olathe, Ks; grandchildren Minde Wheeler (Travis), Kendra Hopkins (Jason), Brecke Latham, Erin Edwards (Luke), Jeff Ward (Rachel), Michelle Latham, and Nicole Bogrand (Andrew); niece Nancy Clark, nephew Jim Downs, and brother and sister-in-law Shirley and George Rinder. Arline was the proud great-grandmother of Caroline and Mackenzie Wheeler, Sophi Hopkins, Lola and Lila Edwards, and Abigail Ward.

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