Elaine Kay Arnold, of Tulsa, OK, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the age of 83.
Elaine was born in Pittsburg, KS on Oct. 27, 1942, to Albert and Marye Evans. She attended Pittsburg Schools and graduated in 1960. In her teens, Elaine worked at S. H. Kress store after school. She was a Girl Scout and attended Grace Methodist Church.
Elaine met "Cotton" Arnold when she was 14 years old. They started dating and were married on Dec. 27, 1959. They soon moved to Tulsa in 1960. They moved to Houston, TX for a few years and came back to their forever home in Tulsa in 1974. Elaine and Cotton were married over 66 years and raised three daughters.
Elaine was a homemaker for many of her married years. Cotton and Elaine owned Arnold's Food Centers in Tulsa and Catoosa for 10 years. Elaine worked at The Bridges Foundation as a life skills teacher for special needs adults. She was the Activity Director at Burgundy Place Senior Living and also at Grace Living Center in Jenks. She really thrived during those years keeping the residents socially active. She really enjoyed being the liaison between the Pre-K and Kindergarten children and the residents at Grace.
Elaine and Cotton attended Rose Hill Methodist where she was a 3rd grade Sunday School teacher. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and served on the board of Magic Empire Council. Elaine was a fantastic cook. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas she would make her famous ravioli. Her Italian genes were much appreciated by her family who enjoyed the many family gatherings she hosted. She loved traveling with Cotton to foreign destinations with fellow grocers. Elaine was a gifted artist. She loved to crochet and was a master seamstress. She made all of her daughter's clothing when they were young and later made clothing for her grandchildren. She definitely had a creative flair.
Elaine loved being a Mimi. Her great grandchildren loved receiving their monthly handmade cards. She would write a poem or limerick on each card. Elaine and Cotton had numerous cats and dogs over the years. Her dog, Freddie, comforted her after her beloved husband suddenly passed in February.
Elaine is preceded in death by her husband Charles "Cotton" Arnold, parents Albert and Marye Evans, two sisters-in-law Janice Evans and Betty McCarthy, two brothers-in-law Noel Arnold and Charley Clegg and nephew Paul Both.
Those left to cherish her memory are her three daughters Lynnie (Chuck) Johnson, Lisa (Richard) Harrington, Laralea (Mike) Grogg; six grandchildren Amanda Indermill, Emily Harrington, Ryan (Sarah) Johnson, Jacob Brown, Grace (Dallas) Bailey and Meghan (Tim) Silver; four great grandchildren Mason Cole Indermill, Owen Michael Johnson, Amelia Joy Qissy and Harper Ray Johnson; two brothers Robert (Maria) Evans and John Evans; two sisters-in-law Ona Clegg and Irene Arnold and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will take place at Floral Haven Funeral Home on Monday, June 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, June 16, at 10 a.m.
The service will be webcasted for those friends and family members who are unable to attend in person. Please visit the following link to access the livestream — https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/KCUVTF.
