Arlene M. Wood, 86, of Hannibal, Missouri, passed away on July 4, 2026 at Beth Haven Nursing Home in Hannibal, MO.

Born on May 17, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri, Arlene was the daughter of Ferdinand and Margaret (Wiedmann) Bolte. In January 1965, she was united in marriage to Orville Wood in St. Louis, Missouri. To this union was born a son, Curt.

Arlene devoted more than 10 years to serving in food service at Veteran's Elementary School, where she was deeply appreciated by the children, their families, and the staff. She truly loved the school community and found great joy in her work there.

She also found happiness in life's simple pleasures, especially reading, watching the Game Show Network and the Hallmark Channel.  But mostly, she cherished spending time with her family. Nothing brought her more joy than attending her grandchildren's events and being part of the moments that mattered most to those she loved.

Arlene will be remembered for her warm and social nature, as well as for being caring, loving, and kind. Her gentle spirit and devotion to her family left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Curt Wood and his wife, Cheryl, of New London, Missouri; her grandchildren, Melissa (Wood) Mitchell and her husband, Dallas, of Seligman, Missouri, and A.J. Wood of New London, Missouri; and her great-grandchildren, Caroline and James Mitchell, and Isabella Wood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ferdinand and Margaret Bolte; her husband, Orville Wood; and her three sisters, Doris, Kathleen, and Joan.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 701 N. Business Highway 61, Bowling Green, Missouri 63334. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at  McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory with Rev. John Thrower officiating. Private Interment in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.mccoyblossomfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis, Missouri, in care of the funeral home.