Connie J. Arnold, 70, of Bluffton, passed away on Tuesday evening, Jan. 10, 2023, at River Terrace in Bluffton.
She was born on Dec. 9, 1952, in Marshalltown, Iowa to Robert & Leora (Mann) McKibben.
She graduated from BCIUW Community High School and Coe College in Iowa and worked as a Registered Nurse. After moving to Bluffton with her family, Connie worked at the Caylor-Nickel Clinic in the Pediatric, Dermatology and General Surgery Department as a nurse with Dr. George Babcock. Connie retired from the Allergy & Asthma Center in Fort Wayne in 2020, where her co-workers were considered close friends.
She loved being outdoors and could often be found working in her garden. Connie always had a talent for sewing. When she learned about Project Linus in Fort Wayne and how they make handmade blankets for children in the hospital, she started sewing and her blankets have comforted many children over the years.
Connie was a passionate and loving mother. She made it a point to be present at all of her childrens’ sporting events, helped with Dollars for Scholars, and in any way she could with their activities. She loved going to plays and musicals at the Fort Wayne Embassy.
Survivors include her children; Jeff A. Arnold of Greenwood and Jennifer (Justin) Caylor of Bluffton; grandson, Tyson Caylor. She is also survived by a brother, Ellis McKibben of Liscomb, Iowa; sister-in-law, Kris McKibben of Albion, Iowa; two nephews, David McKibben of Albion, Iowa and Matthew (Kelsey) McKibben of Marshalltown, Iowa.
She is preceded in death by her father and a brother, Rich McKibben.
A celebration of life visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton.
Memorials may be made in Connie’s name to the Wells County Library or to Project Linus in Fort Wayne and may be made through the funeral home.
Connie’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler Family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.