Arlene Dorothy Smeal was born November 2, 1922 in Olean, Nebraska to Stephen and Elizabeth (Knust) Liekhus. She graduated in 1940 from Howells High School and became a school teacher in Colfax County. On May 24, 1944, Arlene married Raymond Smeal at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Olean. The couple farmed until 1953 and then owned and operated Ray Smeal Transfer.

Arlene was a member of St Leo Catholic Church, Ladies Guild, Christian Mothers; she lectored at Mass and taught CCD for many years.

Survivors include her children Larry (Lois) of Omaha, Diane Wiese of Central City, Dorothy (Norman) Weber of Wisner, Beverly (Randall) Greer of Omaha, Nadine (John) Ries of Omaha, Rick (Toni) of Snyder, and Randy (Janice) of Ashland; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Alyce Janata of Howells; sisters-in-law Ardath Smeal of Snyder and Loretta Smeal of Snyder; and brother-in-law Art Kreikemeier of Dodge.

Arlene was preceded in death by husband Raymond J. Smeal on June 7, 2007; grandson Nicholas J. Ries; son-in-law Ronald H. Wiese; parents Stephen and Elizabeth Liekhus; parents-in-law Lawrence and Ethel Smeal; brother Dale (Angie) Liekhus; sisters Bernice Kreikemeier, Iona (George) Landenklos, sisters-in-law Eileen (Anton) Bose, brothers-in-law Joe Janata, Bill Smeal, Don Smeal, and Ray Renter.