Ben Edward Arney, 90, of Florence, Ariz., passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in Casa Grande, Ariz. Funeral services were held Nov. 14 at the Florence 1st Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Bishop Ryan Michel officiating. Burial was in the Florence Cemetery.
He was born July 17, 1921, in El Cajon, Calif., to Ben R. Arney and Mary Arney.
Ben was a World War II Navy Seabee with the rank of gunner’s mate, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific area. He was the recipient of two Bronze Stars with valor.
He worked as a foreman for Reynolds Metal Co.
Ben was a cowboy and a gunsmith, and at one time designed gunstocks. He enjoyed horses, hunting and target practicing.
He was a jack-of-all-trades, and liked to build things, work around the house and garden. One of his hobbies was making wind chimes.
Ben enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and was a great stepdad. He was well loved by all who met him.
He was a ward missionary and was called to work in the Mesa Temple as a temple worker. He also served in the Snowflake 9th Ward Bishopric for a term. He loved the Lord. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife, Adeline Arney of Florence; his son, Ben R. Arney of Snowflake, Ariz.; two daughters, Mary Katherine Rowe and Sharon Ann Arney, both of Leota, Kan.; 42 grandchildren; and 78 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeannie Arney; a son, Clifford Arney; and a brother, Buford Young Arney.
Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
