Arlene Mae Smith Buerklin, 92 of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, IA. She was born August 13, 1920 in Auburn, IA the daughter of William and Nellie Miller Waller. On September 25, 1938 she was united in marriage to Herschel Smith in Kahoka, MO. He preceded her in death on September 7, 1973. On December 31, 1990 she was united in marriage to Carl Buerklin in Quincy, IL. He preceded her in death on July 25, 1999. Arlene had been employed at Sheller Globe in Keokuk, IA for thirty years, retiring in 1990. She was a member of the New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk, IA, VFW Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, Moose Auxiliary and Local #444 United Rubber Workers Union. Arlene enjoyed reading, playing Bingo and watching television, especially Law and Order. She also enjoyed shopping and playing the penny and nickel slots at the casino. She is survived by two daughters, Janet Ayers and Judy Davis both of Keokuk, IA, one son-in-law, Allen Matous of Keokuk, IA, one step-daughter, Joann Swanson of Keokuk, IA, one step-daughter-in-law, Carol Buerklin of Hamilton, IL, six grandchildren, Mindy Hagerty of Keokuk IA, Mike Ayers and his wife Lori of Memphis, MO, Tammy Archambault and her husband Ed of New Port Richey, FL, Mark Davis of Quincy, IL Julie Matous of Mason City, IA and Craig Matous of New Port Richey, FL, one step-grandson, Jim Buerklin of Hamilton, IL, several great-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and one sister, Thelma Rorabaugh of Keokuk, IA. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Joyce Matous, four brothers, Virgil, Rolland, DeWitt and Bill Waller and two sisters, Shirley Jean Haney and Charlene Strahs. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 4, 2013 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Brother Bill Hauser officiating. Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park in Keokuk. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.