Gwendolyn Marie (Schaffter) Arnold

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Marie Arnold, 97 and a longtime resident of Creston passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 21, 2024 after living a long full life.

Gwen was born in Mt. Vernon, OH on February 14, 1927 to William and Vera (Frances) Schaffter. Gwen graduated from Orrville High School in the class of 1945 and then went on to attend Akron City School of Nursing and graduate in 1948 with a degree in Nursing. During WWII she served as a nurse cadet helping aid the war effort state side. On April 15, 1950 Gwen married Andrew “Pete” Arnold and they shared 54 years of marriage together until his passing in 2004. Gwen worked at Dunlap Memorial Hospital for 20 years and then at the Shady Rest Nursing Home in Creston where she was the director of Nursing for 10 years and would then work with Pete at the Frosty Delite.  Gwen was very active in her community and the surrounding areas. She was a faithful member of the Canaan Lutheran Church and was involved with the Creston Friends of the Library, People to People Ministries, American Nurses Association, and had served on the Creston E.M.S for ten years. She was a Creston citizen of the year and was the Wayne County Citizen of the year.

Gwen is survived by her children, Patricia Brennen of Florida, Paula (George) Coffey of South Carolina, and Janet (Wesley) Yost of Wooster; grandchildren Bobbie, Jimmy, Mary, Randy, Janna, Larry, Cindy, Denise, Cheri, Mike, Traci, and Jeff; many beloved great and great-great-grandchildren; brother George (Ruth) Schaffter; sister Mary Anderson and special niece Marlene Johnson

Gwen is preceded in death by her husband Pete, daughter Dorothy Carter, and brother Paul Schaffter.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday July 25 at Murray Funeral Home in Creston. Friends may gather and celebrate from 10:30 to 12:00 p.m. where a celebration service will then take place led by Dale Grover. Burial will take place in Ohio Western Reserve at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canaan Lutheran Church, 10851 Friendsville Rd, Creston, OH 44217.