AUBURN – Arlie H. Thurston, 92, of Auburn, died Saturday, Dec. 16, at Clover Manor with her daughter Cynthia and grandson Michael at her side.

She was born in Auburn in June 12, 1914, the daughter of Harold and Laura (Pratt) Trask. She was the oldest of five siblings. She attended Lewiston schools and graduated with high honors from Lewiston High School in 1932. She married Ernest E. Thurston on Dec. 27, 1933, in Lewiston. They honeymooned in Nova Scotia in the summer of 1934, while their new home was being built in Danville. They were married for 63 years until his death in 1997.

She was a lady of many talents and interests: 4-H leader, teaching rug braiding for the state of Maine to homebound people, making wedding gowns for herself, daughter Cynthia, and many relatives and friends, knitting and crocheting, and making many mittens, sweaters, afghans, and quilts to give away.

She was awarded many blue ribbons for her beautiful hooked rugs; she learned to hook, and dye her own wool, from her mother-in-law, Henrietta Thurston. She loved flowers and had beautiful flower gardens in her younger years. She also loved the ocean and loved to walk on the beach in any season.

She loved her family, especially her grandson, Michael, of Auburn. She was a member of her local Seventh-day Adventist church for more than 75 years, serving as community services leader, children’s division leader, and treasurer. She also had a nice singing voice and sang duets with her sister Methyl at church. Most of all she loved her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and shared the gospel until hours before her death.

She owned with her husband Ernest the C.E. Thurston Grain Mill in Danville for many years, selling in 1971 and retiring. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Cynthia, and grandson, Michael, both of Auburn; her sister, Methyl Small of Turner; three sisters-in-law; seven nieces; and seven nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; three brothers, Bernard, Floyd and Everett Trask; her son-in-law, Herman Lord; sister-in-law, Frances Trask; and brother-in-law, Walter Small.

She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Her family wishes to thank the caregivers at Clover Manor for the loving care they gave her.