Arlene Mary Severson St. Priest passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Boise, Idaho, on Jan. 30. Arlene was born in Albany, New York, on Aug. 18, 1928, to Mary Severson.
She married Donald Harwood St. Priest in Schenectady, New York, on July 19, 1947. Together they raised two children, Cheryl Ann and David Andrew.
Arlene and Don moved “out west” in 1955, making their homes in Washington, Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. They eventually settled in Evanston and lived and worked there until their final move to Woodruff, Utah, where they spent their last 40 years together until Don’s death in 2008, at which time Arlene moved to her daughter’s home in Boise.
Arlene was a kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother, always making sure that everyone was taken care of before herself. She was quick to smile, and she had a way of making everyone a friend.
She was a great lover of dogs and cats, and she always had a house full of both. For several years she raised dogs for show, and she, Don and Cheryl traveled the west competing with their dogs.
Arlene and Don owned and operated Evanston Trading Post in several locations around town for many years. Arlene “tended the store” while Don traveled to auctions. She made many great friends of the people who came into the store, and she counted that time as some of the best years of her life.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; mother, Mary; brother-in-law, Peter Langstead; and great-grandson, Blayd William Templin.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Ed) Cheney, of Boise, Idaho; son, David (Shellie) St. Priest, of Evanston; sister, Marion Sheldon, of Schuyler Falls, New York; granddaughter, Gina St. Priest; grandson, Mark (Kara) St. Priest; great-grandsons, Alex and Ryley Templin; and great-granddaughter, Macey St. Priest.
Per Arlene’s request, cremation has taken place, and a private family memorial will be held in the summer.
