Cover for Joan Betty Arney's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Joan Betty

Joan Betty Arney Profile Photo

Arney

Mar 27, 1934 — Jul 29, 2026

Novi

Funeral Services

Visitation

August
3

Monday

O'Brien Sullivan Funeral Home

41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48375

10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Obituary

Joan Betty Arney, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, in Novi, Michigan. She was born on March 27, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan.

Joan lived a life filled with love, creativity, laughter, and devotion to her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Russell Arney, with whom she shared 69 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a family that remained the greatest source of her pride and joy.

She is lovingly survived by her sons, Russell (Carol) Arney and Robert (Linda) Arney; her cherished grandchildren, Teresa, Tara, Russell IV, Melissa, and Nicole; and nine adored great-grandchildren; her  sisters Fran, Sandy and Jackie; and a host of nephews and a niece. She delighted in celebrating their accomplishments and treasured every moment spent with them.

A graduate of St. Anne School in Detroit, Joan dedicated 33 years of service to Ford Motor Company before enjoying a well-earned retirement. Throughout her life, she embraced her artistic talents and became an accomplished oil painter. As a proud member of the Solivita Artist Club, she shared her creativity with friends and fellow artists, creating beautiful works that reflected her passion and imagination.

Joan also found joy on the golf course, at the bowling alley, around the pool table, and anywhere family and friends gathered. She was known for her quick wit, sassy sense of humor, boundless creativity, and the smile that was almost always on her face. One of her favorite expressions was, "HE HAS THAT VICHYSSOISE SMILE," a phrase that will forever bring a smile to those who knew and loved her.

Joan will be remembered for her warm heart, infectious laughter, artistic spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She touched the lives of so many and leaves behind countless treasured memories that will continue to bring comfort and joy.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at O'Brien Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, Michigan 48375.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Joan's memory.https://www.stjude.org/

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

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