Arpha Slinkard was born August 10, 1933 to Charley Edward and Lillian (Rhodes) Sitzes at Bessville, Missouri.

Arpha was preceded in death by her parents, one (1) brother Charley Sitzes, brother-in-law Delmer Hanners, and honorary granddaughter Fallon Foss.

Arpha is survived by her husband Hobert Slinkard, whom she married in 1953, two (2) sons Daniel Gale (Lisa) Slinkard, David Edward (Jan) Slinkard, three (3) grandchildren Tara (Randy) LaChance, Joshua (Jessica) Slinkard, Janna (William) Sartin, two (2) honorary grandchildren Cassie Foss, India Foss, four (4) great-grandchildren Cameron Slinkard, Cayden Slinkard, Aaron Sartin, Katherine Sartin, honorary great-grandchild Riley Hawkins, one (1) sister Dorothy Hanners, one (1) brother Carl (Carol) Sitzes, one (1) sister-in-law Evelyn Sitzes, many loved in laws, nieces and nephews.

Arpha graduated from Patton High School and attended Southeast Missouri University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  She was employed as a Secretary/Office Manager for engineering firms in St. Louis and Tennessee, and for Schnapp, Graham, Reid of Fredericktown.

She owned and operated Ellen's Apparel for twelve (12) years, promoting fashion coordination and home town shopping in Fredericktown.

Arpha retired after eleven (11) years as Human Resource Director for Missouri Department of Mental Health, Cottonwood Treatment Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

She was former a pianist/organist for Free Will Baptist churches in St. Louis, Nashville, and Missouri.  Arpha was a member of the Red Hatters, Arthritis Foundation, NSPSSM, and various charities.  She was also an active advocate for saving Social Security, Medicare, and Worker's Rights.