Arlaine Durbin, 91, Minot, died Wednesday, February 3, 2016, in a Minot hospital.

Arlaine was born February 22, 1924, on the family farm located near Bergen, ND, to Walter and Inez (Haga) Helstedt. She attended school in Velva and graduated from Bergen High School in 1942.

Arlaine taught in a country school near Bergen for one year after high school. She was once married to Richard Durbin on September 25, 1947 in Bergen. They made their home in Minot. This union was blessed with five children whom she provided a loving home their entire lives.

Arlaine went to work for Trinity on July 27, 1966. She worked first in housekeeping and later moved into the sewing department. She repaired blankets, sheets and her advanced skills and talent often led to her making custom items needed in the hospital and nursing home. She retired after 22 faithful years on December 31, 1988.

Arlaine was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, serving in women's circles for many years. She enjoyed making quilts for her grandchildren and scrapbooks highlighting the memories of her family. Arlaine was a lover of animals in the neighborhood feeding everything from cats to dogs along with deer and turkeys.

Arlaine's loving family includes children, Sherry (Gary) Rogers, Lovelock, NV, Danny (Linda) Durbin, Prescott, WI, Jim (Margy) Durbin, Minot and Colleen (Victor) Bledsoe, Minot, ND and Parker, KS; son-in-law, Kenneth Gillespie, Minot; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sandy (James) Weigel Beulah, ND and Donna (Merle) Holte, Velva, ND; brother, Warren (Beverly) Helstedt, Minot, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arlaine was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Claudia Gillespie.

Celebration of Arlaine's Life: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.
Interment: Bergen Community Cemetery (Swedish Lutheran), Bergen, ND
Visitation: Tuesday, February 9, 2016, from noon until the start of the service in the church.
Memorials are preferred to Shriner's Children's Hospital or to the Souris Valley Animal Shelter.