Arlene L. (Holley) McCrary passed away peacefully in the early hours on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the age of 84 at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Redwood City, CA. with her son, Michael, present. Arlene will be truly missed by her family and friends. Those that knew her loved her for her humor, intellect, cheerfulness, dedication to family, and love of hummingbirds.
Arlene was born on October 20, 1940 along with her identical twin sister, Ardyce (Holley) Bucher, to George & Willa Holley in Carrollton, Mo. where her father was employed as a school administrator. Both were the 2nd & 3rd children born after their older brother, Robert.
Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Murray; her son, Michael; her brother Tom Holley and wife, Maggie; her sister Judy Holley; grandson Matthew & wife, Hilary; grandson Marcus & wife, Aleah; and many cousins and extended family members.
She was predeceased by her parents, George & Willa; older brother, Robert; and twin sister, Ardyce Bucher.
Arlene’s upbringing commenced in Carrollton, Mo. followed by several moves in Missouri associated with her father’s vocation. Of those, Arlene often, and especially, mentioned many happy days in Pierce City, Mo. In her later years, she accomplished an excellent oil painting of their Pierce City home.
In 1952, her father’s vocation created a move to Maysville, Mo. where he worked as District Supt. of Schools for many years. Arlene graduated from Maysville High School in 1958 followed by enrollment at Missouri University, Warrensburg. During Arlene’s junior year of high school, she consistently dated a senior, Murray McCrary, whom she would ultimately marry.
In the Fall of 1958, Arlene commenced her studies at University of Missouri Warrensburg while Murray began his second year at Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy, Rolla, Mo. In the Fall of 1959, during Thanksgiving, both decided to be married & their marriage was performed on January 2, 1960 in Polo, Mo.
Arlene then moved to Rolla, MO to be with Murray after cancelling her Spring 1960 enrollment at Warrensburg. At Rolla, she worked in the MSM Registrar’s office (1960-1962) while Murray continued his studies. During this time, their son, Michael was born.
After Murray’s graduation in January 1962, he entered the active Army Corps of Engineers as a 2nd Lt. with a 2 yr. commitment. His initial assignment was in Etain/Verdun, France. By extending this assignment to two years, his family was allowed to join him which they soon did via the USS Rose, a converted WW II troop ship. As officers were allowed to live off base, they rented an apartment in Metz, France for 6 months followed by the government providing a single home in a great US Gov off-base subdivision in Etain, France.
Arlene was “all ears and eyes” about the French culture to include learning passable French & especially developing interests in the Arts. Contributing to her interests were her many day-long travels around France in her VW Beetle. Added, were the husband-wife-son weekend travels to adjoining countries.
After 2 years in France, Murray’s unit was transferred to Karlsrue, Germany along with Murray extending for two more years. Along came Arlene faced with learning another culture which she did great, but never learned to love beer. She did learn to drive with the Germans (high speed) as she explored day trips to various parts of Germany, exploring the Arts. Additionally, Arlene began baking birthday cakes in the shape of animals & making the traditional French orangette for her son which she did for many years after returning from Europe. She mastered German Chocolate cake & pleased generations of family with her perfection.
In the Summer of 1966, Arlene & family returned from Germany to Ft. Belvoir, VA. A few months later Murray’s Army commitment ended & he accepted employment in N. Colorado. After an enjoyable 2 years in CO, Murray was transferred to “flat” Kansas in 1968 followed by another transfer to San Francisco area in 1969. As Arlene often commented…. “another move!”
This was the “last move” for Arlene having lived in our current home for 55 years. She really valued family and friends her whole life & was still friends with people she met in Foster City in the 60’s. Arlene loved to shop for clothing, visit restaurants, host Birthday/Thanksgiving/Christmas celebrations, sketch & paint (oil/watercolor/charcoal) & travel. Arlene spent years traveling to 6 of the 7 continents…she loved to travel! She would often see a place in her mind after watching a travel and painting show, then travel there, & use that for inspiration for her next painting. She loved showing videos/pictures from her many travels & discussing her plans for the next trip. She often travelled with family & friends and managed to finally visit Antarctica in her 70’s. When two grandchildren came along; Matthew & Marcus; she spent a lot of time with them, as they grew, teaching them to swim, play games, even drive, & also took them to visit Europe.
Arlene is very much missed. She will be remembered for her kindness, friendship, love of family, and spirit of adventure.
Family & friends are invited to an Interment service scheduled at Graceland Cemetery, Cameron, MO, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
