Arlene Roberta (Milliron) Hardin

Junction City — Arlene Roberta Milliron Hardin, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother, known as Nannie, by all who loved her. The long-time resident of Junction City, Ohio, and former resident of Morehead, Kentucky, died peacefully in her home on Sunday afternoon, June 10, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Born April 21, 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI, Arlene was one of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elaine McKay Milliron and her sisters, Sylvia Kathryn Milliron and Alvera Lesert. She is survived by her brother, Kenneth, who currently resides in Thompsonville, MI.

Arlene is also preceded in death by her husband, Alby Ray Hardin. She met the Navy Sailor and love of her life when he was stationed in  Traverse City, MI. Arlene married at the age of 17 and she and her new husband moved to his hometown of Morehead, KY where they began building their family legacy and raising their 4 children. Ray passed in 2001 leaving Arlene to be the matriarch of the family, and to carry on the pride and traditions they started together.

She worked in many different industries, and having grown up through the Great Depression, Arlene lived a frugal life and was never without a job. She especially enjoyed her time at Perry County Children Services as Family Services Supervisor where her proudest accomplishment was providing Christmas gifts to foster children through the Angel Tree Program. Arlene retired from PC Children Services in 2005 at the young age of 77 to become a full-time boater and houseboat resident at Cave Run Lake in Kentucky.

Arlene loved all things associated with boating, camping, and being on the water. She and her husband raised their kids on the Ohio River, and later spoiled their grandchildren at Cave Run Lake, on their floating summer house, “Nannie’s Delite”. In later years, she didn’t make it to the lake as often as she would have liked, but it was always a topic that brought a smile to her face.

Arlene leaves behind a strong “Hardin Family Legacy” through her children Roberta [Garland] Earley of Morehead, KY; Shirley [Fred] Anderson of Junction City, OH; Judy [John] Boyden of Junction City, OH; and Burl [Kim] Hardin of New Lexington, OH. She was proud to watch her legacy live on through her 9 grandchildren: Michelle (Greg) Haney, Dana Gillespie, Jessica (Jim) Stroup, Jeremiah (Jennifer) Boyden, Justin (Caley) Boyden, John (Tabitha) Boyden, Tonnya Hardin, Kaliff Hardin, and Kyle Hardin. She adored her 23 great-grandchildren: Beth (Jared) Ellis, Gabe (Shelby) Richmond, Chloe Patrick, Baleigh Gillespie, Allie Gillespie, Tyler (Bailee) Jones, Kenley Stroup, Camille Stroup, James Stroup III, Gabriella Stroup, Alaina Boyden, Myah Boyden, Lucy Boyden, Lucas Boyden, Jayden Boyden, Lyla Boyden, Ian Boyden, Clay Boyden, Claire Boyden, Brock Boyden, Caytlynn Amspaugh, Aaron Cook, and Josiah Hardin. Arlene was also blessed with 2 great great-grandchildren: Jackson Ellis and Benjamin Jones. Some of her greatest joys were attending birthday parties, ball games, and any events where she could cheer for and celebrate the kids. There is no comparison to the love and devotion she showed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arlene had very special people in her life who were also like family to her. Alanda Christian grew up with the family, and Arlene always thought of her like a daughter. The last 9 months of her life, Arlene received assistance from a loving daytime caregiver, Suzette Shuster. Arlene’s family could not have gone through this journey without Suzette’s love and devotion. While at the lake, Arlene had a beautiful friendship with Bill and Carla Utchek, who are like family to the entire Hardin clan. The Utchek’s were her boat neighbors and loved and cared for Arlene as they attended to her every need. Arlene also had a love for her dog, Chipper; he was her inseparable, daily companion.

She was a faithful member of the Junction City First United Methodist Church, and also had a loyal group of loving, caring friends who often got together to dine at the Pizza Place, play Rummikub, and listen to gospel and bluegrass music. Arlene loved playing tricks on people and was known for being feisty, spunky, and a jokester.

Arlene will be escorted to her final resting place by her grandsons, serving as pallbearers: Jeremiah Boyden, Justin Boyden, John Boyden, Kaliff Hardin, Kyle Hardin, Aaron Cook Gabe Richmond, Tyler Jones, Jayden Boyden, Ian Boyden, Clay Boyden, James Stroup III, Josiah Hardin, and Lucas Boyden.

 Friends may call on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at the Junction City First United Methodist Church from 12pm–6pm, with services immediately following. Burial and graveside services will be on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 11:00am at Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield, KY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairhope Hospice and Palliative Care or Junction City First United Methodist Church.

Roberts-Winegardner Funeral Home, New Lexington, OH and Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, Morehead, KY have been entrusted with arrangements.

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