Jeannette M. Arnold, 84, Virginia Beach, Va., died at 5 p.m. July 21, 2011, at her home.

She was born Sept. 28, 1926, in Auglaize County, to Ernest and Martha Post Mertz. On Aug. 6, 1949, she married Alvin W. Arnold, who died Dec. 13, 1977.

Surviving are two sons, Ryan (Katie) Arnold, Virginia Beach, and Kevin M. (Michelle) Arnold, Easton, Pa.; a brother, Dan (Sally) Mertz, Missouri; a sister, Marilyn (Paul) Smith, St. Marys; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Decease are a daughter, Jodette Cotrell, and two brothers, Wendell and Richard Mertz.

A graduate of Miami University, Oxford, she received a masters in education from Temple University. She taught in Perry Local Schools and Northwestern Lehigh School in Pennsylvania.

She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Macungie, Pa. She was attending Atlantic Shores Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.

Graveside service is 10 a.m Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima, the Rev. Jerry Hall officiating.

There will be private family calling.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.