Obituary of Arlene Leta Regentin

ARLENE REGENTIN, of Ubly, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Sanilac Medical Care Facility on January 6, 2025 at the remarkable age of 102.

Born on March 4, 1922, to Howard and Mildred (Weitzel) Rathbun, she was the sister to Chester (Lillie) Rathbun, Gerald (Nancy) Rathbun, Keith (Betty) Rathbun, Ruth (Robert) Knoll, MaryEllen (Eugene) Vatter, Al (Beverly) Rathbun, and Iola (Harry) Strauss. All have passed before her except for siblings Ruth, Al, and Iola.

Raised on a centennial farm during the Great Depression she gained a strong will and work ethic that led her to graduating high school, cosmetology school, and opening her own beauty shop at the age of twenty. This was a commendable accomplishment for a woman of that era. 

Arlene met her future husband Gilbert “Gib” Regentin of Palms, Michigan at a dance. They wed in 1943 while he was home on leave and together they served their country during WWII, Gib as an aircraft mechanic and she running the beauty shop on the base in Pensacola Florida. 

Arlene’s extended family through Gib included his parents, August and Louise (Suhr) Regentin, siblings; Edward (Pauline) Regentin, Gertrude (Emerson) Breidenbach, and Eugene (Corinne) Regentin. They have all pre-deceased her.

Over the years, their family grew with the birth of their children Gary (Cheryl) Regentin, Sheri Regentin Ziehm, Kimberly (Mike) Regentin Ickes, and Lisa Regentin Brown.  Next her cherished grandchildren; Jeremy (Jeanne), Jessica (Kris), Erica, Jason, Nathan, Troy (Kim), Danielle (Aaron), Brett (Deidre), Collin, and Christian. Then her beloved great-grandchildren; Miles, Lauren, Sarah, Laura, Zachary, Hally, Torin, Chloe, Liam, Ryder, and great-great-grandchildren Eli and Emmie. As well as many dear nieces and nephews.

She was reunited in heaven with her loving husband Gib, son Gary, daughter Sheri, and grandchildren Jason, Nathan, and Danielle. 

Back from the war, Arlene resumed hairdressing from her home shop until she and Gib opened Ubly Drapery Company, an interior decorating business which they ran for many years. Her design talent helped beautify many homes in the area.

Upon Gib’s retirement, Arlene’s indefatigable spirit saw her working part-time jobs well into her eighties. “God put me on this earth to work”, she would often say and after Gib’s death she prided herself on maintaining her home and her independence, living alone till she was 101.

Devoted members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe, she and Gib shared their time and talents generously with both the church and many community organizations over the years, including the iconic Alabama Jubilee.

Known for her signature red hair and fashion flair, her home and her wardrobe were always “Arlene Style” and she loved shopping for them both. Bingo, golfing, decorating, crafting, yard sales, casino bus trips, and family visits were all activities she enjoyed but her favorite pastime was playing cards. She played her favorites, bridge and euchre, with her wide circle of friends and family right up to her final day.

A funeral and celebration of life for our family matriarch will be held in the summer where memories will be shared of her and her wonderful stories, cards will be dealt, and she will be honored with less of a somber farewell and more of a cheer for a life lived long and to the fullest.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

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