Arlene M Vanes

Arlene M. Vanes, nee Bannister, age 84, of Dyer, IN, entered her heavenly reward peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, Sunday, February 7, 2016. Arlene was the loving wife of the late Jerry A. Vanes and was married prior to the late James Holzbach.Wonderful mother of Jim (Diane) Holly of Dyer and Gerry (Eric) Paulin of Bridgeport.She absolutely loved being the grandmother of Kristi (Cary) Smith, Shannon (David) Brown, Samantha, Taylor and Tori Paulin; and was the obviously proud great-grandmother of Avery, Brady, and Jay Smith. Arlene adored her brother, Alan Bannister of Dyer and sister-in-law Patricia O''Brien of Schererville. She was proceeded into heaven by her parents Helen and Corinth Bannister and three very dear sisters Corrine Fernando,Doreen Lax and Kathy Koch.Arlene was also blessed with many more cherished relatives and friends, many of whom attended the First Christian Church in Dyer where she was member for nearly 43 years.Her heart was big and her spirit kind and gentle as she always tried to exemplify Christ in her life.Long after her retirement as a librarian from the Lake Central School Corporation, she remained active in church and her life remained a commitment and testimony to Christ to her very last day. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 10, 2016 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane Dyer, IN. Funeral service Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church (704 Joliet St. Dyer, IN) with services conducted by pastor Randy Harrison. With her soul in heaven, her body will be laid to rest at Ridgelawn Cemetery - Gary, IN. Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer''s Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For further information please contact 219-322-7300.