Arlene Waldmire, 83, of Rochester, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Arlene was born in Springfield, IL on April 2, 1942, the daughter of Willard “Boots” and Carrie Jeanette (Collins) McClanahan. She married William “Bill” Waldmire on a hot July day in 1959. Arlene owned and operated Cardinal Hill Candles and Crafts in Rochester for over 50 years. She enjoyed sewing, macramé, art, gardening, cooking, remodeling (and supervising), refurnishing furniture, and auctions. She loved Cardinals Baseball too. She was a talented candle maker and made Easter candles for several local area churches. She enjoyed painting and has a mural showcased along Rt 66 in Lincoln. Arlene enjoyed spending time with her friends and all of her family and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Bill Waldmire; granddaughter, Lauren; sisters, Lorraine, Wilma, Dody, Judy, and Sandy; and brothers, Willard, Monte, Ace, and Burt.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Bill; daughter, Bonnie (Carl) Miller; son, Dow (Theresa) Waldmire; 5 grandchildren, Diana (Brian), Adam (Holly), Daniel, Alex, Chris (Koreena); 8 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Brenda Brown; brothers, Richard (Betty) Brockschmidt and David (Roxanne) Miller; one sister, Karen McClanahan; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 1:00PM until the time of the memorial service at 3:00PM at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. in Rochester. Burial will follow at a later date at Mottarville Cemetery in Rochester.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is entrusted with the services.