Neal-Tarpley Parchman Funeral Home Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
Annette Vilmerding Rich Arboe, resident of Clarksville, TN, passed away on September 4th, 2014, at the age of 62, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN where she had resided for nearly two months after acquiring an infection from same day surgery. She was surrounded by members of her family who loved her deeply both in presence and in spirit.
Annette was born on the April 17, 1952 in Greene, New York to John and Rita Vilmerding who were immigrants from Denmark. She was among the first generation of her family to be born in the United States. She moved to Florida as a child with her family. As a young adult, she moved to Tennessee where she spent most of her life. She graduated with a Bachelor or Science in Child Psychology from the University of the State of New York. For many years, she dedicated her life to working with children helping them cope with their situations, physically and emotionally. She also researched birth mothers for adopted children, reuniting many of them. Her other passion in life was travel and worked as a Certified Travel Consultant at a family business, Stage Coach VIP which was a music industry leader in leasing of luxury coach buses. At the time of her death, she enjoyed working part time as a mortgage closer, helping those in her community to realize their dreams.
She was an active member of her community. She was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Her love of animals was expressed in her membership in the Humane Society and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She was an amazing cross stitcher. She also loved to restore old houses and make intricate Victorian lamp shades. She collected beautiful Danish dishes and enjoyed gardening. Her greatest love, however, was her family.
Family and friends were Annette’s passion. She grew up very close to her siblings. She loved spending time with her children, grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and siblings. She had a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile that could light up a room.
Annette is survived by her husband David K. Arboe; step-mother Millicent Vilmerding; step-grandmother Rosa Nash; sisters Christina Hellerqvist (Carl) and Suzanne Davis (Michael); son John L. Rich, III and daughter-in-law Dana Rich; nieces Trina Schmidt (Alex) and Maria Vilmerding Moore; nephews Robert Bowens (Kelly) and Ben Vilmerding (Jackie); step-children Lisa McEachern, Sean McEachern, David K. Arboe, II, Marissa Chandler, and Aimee Arboe; grand-children John L. Rich, IV, Matthew Rich, and Ryan Rich; grand nieces and nephews, Jensen Schmidt, Gunnar Schmidt, Calleway Schmidt, Jolie Vilmerding, Bennett Vilmerding, Grayson Bowens, Amina Moore and Laila Moore; and step-grandchildren Kaila Woodin, Dayne Woodin, Matthew Chandler and Alaina Chandler. She also leaves behind her much loved dogs Bandit and Sassy.
She was predeceased in life by her father John Vilmerding and mother Rita Daisy Sorensen Vilmerding, as well as her brother Bennett Vilmerding.
The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last few months.
Flowers are appreciated or contributions in memory of Annette may be made to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, 616 North Spring Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.
Family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9th at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040, with services to be conducted at 6 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.
Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.