Castanada, Arlene C. 1952-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Arlene Connie Castanada, 73, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. She was born Feb. 14, 1952, in Osceola, Missouri, daughter of Jannie Lou and Dick H. Elliott.

She graduated from Osceola High School, Central Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri, Columbia, with a Masters in Social Work.

Arlene married John Castanada on May 2, 1981, and he survives of the home. Social work was her passion; working at the St. Joseph Sisters Hospital, Heartland Hospital, St. Lukes Hospital Transplant Department, and DaVita Dialysis, all those years traveling to Kansas City, Chillicothe, Cameron, and Wyandotte County without a complaint. In May of 1987 she was awarded the National Hospital Social Worker Director of the Year. She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers and was a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church.

She loved spending time with her pets, creating art, eating dessert before dinner, watching Hallmark movies, going on family trips, and watching her girls play sports.

Arlene was preceded in death by father, Dick (Margie) Elliott; mother, Jannie (Russ) See; her fur babies, Malia, Taco, and Baer.

Survivors include husband, John Castanada; daughters, Elena, Jannie (Bree), and Alicia Castanada; stepdaughter, Shellee Castanada; granddaughter, Daisy Castanada; sister, Elaine (Dan) Wilson; special niece, Ruschell and children; fur babies, Gracie, Pake, Winnie, Lily, and Lupe.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services and the public live stream will be immediately following the visitation. The Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Friends of the Animal Shelter or the Mosaic Cancer Oncology Center.

Online condolences, obituary, and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.