Arlene Connie Castanada 73, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025 at her home surrounded by family. She was born February 14, 1952 in Osceola, MO, daughter of Jannie Lou and Dick H. Elliott. She graduated from Osceola High School, Central Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri, Columbia with a Masters in Social Work. Arlene married John Castanada on May 2, 1981 and he survives of the home.
Social work was her passion; working at the St. Joseph Sisters Hospital, Heartland Hospital, St. Lukes Hospital Transplant Department, and DaVita Dialysis, all those years traveling to Kansas City, Chillicothe, Cameron, and Wyandotte County without a complaint. In May of 1987 she was awarded the National Hospital Social Worker Director of the Year. She was a member of the National Association of Social Workers and was a member of St. Patricks Catholic Church.
She loved spending time with her pets, creating art, eating dessert before dinner, watching Hallmark movies, going on family trips, and watching her girls play sports.
Arlene was preceded in death by father, Dick (Margie) Elliott, mother, Jannie (Russ) See, her fur babies; Malia, Taco, and Baer.
Survivors include husband, John Castanada, daughters; Elena, Jannie (Bree), and Alicia Castanada, stepdaughter, Shellee Castanada, granddaughter, Daisy Castanada, sister, Elaine (Dan) Wilson, special niece, Ruschell and children, fur babies; Gracie, Pake, Winnie, Lily, and Lupe. Online condolences, obituary, and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com.
