Arthela “Arty” Jacqueline Durbin, 86, formerly of Abingdon, passed away at 6:38 a.m. Sunday, September 1, 2019, at Aperion Care Galesburg North. She was born July 17, 1933, in Galesburg, the daughter of Frank and Grace (Walker) Beere. She married Kenneth Harold Durbin on July 29, 1956, in Knoxville. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2015. Arty is survived by her children, Linda (Bill) Mixson of New Windsor, Kevin (Elizabeth) Durbin of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Anita (Lee) Mickael of Burlington, Iowa and Dale (Lisa) Durbin of Middletown, Delaware; nine grandchildren, Steve Mixson, Tom (Beth) Mixson and Bob (Emily) Mixson, Kelly Mickael and Megan Mickael, Randall Durbin, Amanda Durbin, Noah Durbin and Madeline Durbin and two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Lilian Mixson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1950 and from Browns Business College in 1951. She had lived in Delong, Knoxville and in Abingdon most of her life. She worked as a secretary at the Kellogg Drake Store for 5 years, the Marigold Health Care Center for 4 years, K-Mart for 4 years and last worked at Duff’s Hardware for 4 years, retiring on September 1, 1996. She enjoyed making quilts, embroidering, trying new recipes and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
As she requested, cremation will be accorded. Private burial of Arthela’s and Kenneth’s ashes will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. To celebrate her life, the family will receive relatives and friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2019, at the Abingdon American Legion. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
