Arden Armel

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Arden Jeannine Bradley Armel passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Greybull, Wyo.

The youngest of four siblings, Arden Jeannine was born on May 28, 1949, to Joseph Elbridge and Lucy Mae Bradley. The oldest sibling was Joie, followed by Allen, and then Nedra. Arden spent her youth exploring the land on Guios’ Ranch, playing in irrigation ditches and riding motorcycles with Cotton. There were a few occasions when she was known to have stolen cigarettes from her dad and was found in the barn smoking with her cousin, Phyllis. At the age of 11, she started working in the hayfield for Guio and continued through high school, which she recalled fondly.

Arden attended school in Big Piney. She enjoyed summers visiting her sisters and their families and was always willing to pitch in and help take care of her nieces and nephews. Following graduation from Big Piney High School in 1967, she enlisted in the United States Air Force. Arden was very proud to have served and fondly remembered her years in the service.

While in the Air Force, Arden met fellow Airman George Armel on a blind date. The two married in Hawaii in 1969. The following year the first of two daughters were born, Mary Michelle, and 19 months later, Julie Anne, was added to the family. In late 1972, the family moved to Cornwall-On-Hudson, N.Y., where Arden took evening college classes. She loved living in New York.  

Arden and her family traveled from coast to coast several times. This instilled the love of road trips in her girls. Many vacations followed over the years and so many memories were made.

In 1982, Arden and the girls moved to Big Piney and lived with her mom, Lucy, for about five years until she was able to purchase a home of her own. As a single mother, this was a giant accomplishment. Arden worked at Burnham Clothing, the local bank, and then in 1985, she began her long career in the oil and gas industry with NGC. The company changed ownership many times over the years with her spending her final years of employment with Exxon Oil and Gas Company.

Arden was fiercely independent (sometimes hard-headed) and extremely supportive of her girls. She made sure her daughters had all opportunities in extra curricular activities like basketball and volleyball, as well as school trips to Washington, D.C., and Europe. Arden traveled to every game and was always there to cheer them on.

In 1992, Arden became a nana to her first grandson, Dakota, and over the following years five more were added. Gage, Treston, Braeden and Bo loved spending time with Nana. She cherished time watching all of her grandsons participate in sports and concerts. She was there to support the accomplishments of each of them. Arden attended every graduation of her grandsons whether it was from high school, college or basic training. She was so proud to be their nana.

In 2013, Arden retired from Exxon. She continued traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Arden enjoyed puzzles, photography, volunteering for A Woman’s Work and woodworking. She loved to go gambling with her dear friend, Karla, and had many fun dinners and good times with her local friends as well.

In 2020, Arden was blessed with a great grandson, Asher Hennessey, and loved the time she spent with him last year.

Arden was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Lucy Bradley, and her siblings, Allen, Joie, Nedra. She is survived by her daughters Mary (Joe) Reece, Julie (Nolan) Tracy, grandsons Dakota (Krystal) Hines, Gage (Alexia) Hines, Treston Tracy, Braeden Tracy, Braden Reece, and great grandson, Asher Hennessey.

Arden will be remembered for her love and support of her family. The love, traditions and memories will forever be cherished and carried on.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Marbleton Senior Center. Interment and military graveside honors will follow the service in the Plainview Cemetery.