Arlene R. Barrett, age 93 of Stanwood, formerly of Kentwood, passed away Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 at her home. She was born February 25, 1916 in Ritchie County, West Virginia to Bruce and Celesta (Nutter) Kerns. Arlene was a graduate of Cairo High School in West Virginia. She was honorably discharged from United States Army where she served as a nurse during World War II. Arlene moved to Grand Rapids in 1948 where she worked as a Lab Technician at Blodgett Memorial Hospital and the American Red Cross Blood Center until her retirement. Arlene was a devout and long time member of the Madison Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Kentwood. She is survived by her loving family whose members include 2 children, Karen (Richard) Walma of Stanwood, Bruce Barrett of Big Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Kevin (Debra) Walma of Stanwood, Robin (Anthony) Kotrch of Fennville, NC, Keith Walma of Mt. Pleasant; 5 Great-grandchildren; a sister, Mollie (Orval) Haynes of Harrisville, WV and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Arlene was preceded in death by an infant son; 4 brothers, Merlin, Hobe, Ovral and Delbert Kerns; and a sister, Mildred Layfield. Funeral services will take place 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15th at the Madison Ave. Missionary Baptist Church, 5757 Madison Ave., Kentwood, 49548 with Pastor David Wright officiating. The family will greet friends 2 hours prior to services at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Memorial contributions in Arlene's name may be made to In Home Hospice of Grand Rapids.