Arlene Turner Hassell

Mar 10, 1942 -

May 15, 2026

Arlene Turner Hassell, age 84, died May 15, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. Arlene was born in Clayton, N.C., to Nellie and Rowland Turner. Though in her last years she dealt with Alzheimer's, her life prior to that was full and rewarding. Her husband's career allowed her to remain at home until her children graduated from college. After that she worked successfully as a vendor representative at Alaska military bases representing some major lines.

She made good use of the time she was a housewife, learning to be a proficient hunter and fisherman, among other hobbies. She also decorated cakes and became a major award winner at Fur Rendezvous and Alaska State Fair competitions from 1970 through the late 1990s. She has numerous newspaper articles written about her awards and met three governors.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Jim; two children, James Hassell Jr. and Katherine Schock; and two grandchildren, Matthew Schock and Samantha Schock. She also leaves two sisters, Mary Rhodes and Shirley Coble.

No formal services are planned, rather a private gathering to celebrate her life will take place at a later date.