Jane Arlene Wells

Jane Arlene Wells passed away on September 23, 2026, in her Thermopolis, Wyo., home. Arlene enjoyed 90 birthdays. She was surrounded by family and friends who loved and cared for her when she died.

During her life, she was a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, telephone operator, and librarian. The most important part of Arlene's life was family. She devoted herself to that endeavor. There are many memories of Arlene from those that knew her and cared for her. Some remember kindness, others an unyielding sense of right and wrong, duty, others mischievousness, and always her smile. She was born on December 19, 1935. She was the daughter of Alice and John (Jack) Tarter. Arlene was raised in Lovell, Wyo., by a large extended family. She attended junior college before getting a job as a telephone operator. She married Gerald Wells on September 23, 1956,  They moved to Thermopolis for Gerald's job. They raised a family together until Gerald's death in 1978. After Geralds's death she worked as a librarian at the Hot Springs County Library. She was a lifelong advocate of libraries and the power of reading. Arlene was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she raised her children in that faith. Her faith sustained her throughout her life. Arlene was the glue that held the family together as mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She celebrated her family's achievements and pursuits. Toward the end of her life, she developed health issues. Her family then cared for her, especially her son, Richard. He was her main caregiver for the last eighteen months of her life. All the family came together to provide love and support as her health declined.

Arlene is survived by her children, Marisa Latady, Jerry Wells, Paul Wells, John Wells (wife Donna), and Richard Wells. She is also survived by grandchildren, James Mock (son of Marisa), Rachel Van Wettering and husband Matt (daughter of Paul), Sarah Tidemann (daughter of Paul), Michael and Jay Wells (sons of Richard). Arlene was also very proud of her four great-grandchildren, Josh and Charlotte Van Wettering and Ethan and Kit Tidemann.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; parents, Alice and Jack Tarter; grandchild, Ciara Dawn Wells (daughter of Jerry); and a daughter-in-law, Penny (wife of Jerry).

Arlene's life was a life well lived. She is loved and cherished by her family. A celebration of life is scheduled for October 2, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints in Thermopolis. The service starts at 11:30 a.m. with interment to follow at Monument Hill Cemetery.