Arlis V. (Dougherty) Serby

Arlis Veronica (Dougherty) Serby, 82, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021 at OSF Saint Anthony Hospital in Rockford, Illinois.

Arlis’ family will honor Arlis with a mass of Christian burial at Saint Columba Church at 11:30 am, Tuesday, January 4, 2022, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be 9:00am to 11:00am, prior to services, on Tuesday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be at Saint Columba Cemetery.

Arlis was born May 25, 1939 in Ottawa to Edward and Alice (Munger) Dougherty. She married Ronald Serby in 1967; he passed away January 18, 2013.

Arlis graduated Marquette High School in 1957.  She then moved to Chicago, graduating from Saint Vincent’s Orphanage in Pediatric Nursing.  Arlis reminded her family often of the beautiful memories of her years at the orphanage.  She reminisced frequently on the wonderful life changing relationships she experienced as a young adult at Saint Vincent’s.

After getting married, Arlis worked from home in Ottawa, caring for her three children, JoAnne, Glenn and Steven.  Once the children were in high school, Arlis started a new career, working for the City of Ottawa, and continued to work until her desired retirement age of 75.  She truly enjoyed her time working for the City, and it took many attempts to finally get her into retirement.

Growing up with Irish parents and a strong tradition of family togetherness, Arlis continued keeping family as the most important emphasis of her life.  Her most enjoyable moments were at-home gatherings, sharing many stories, always with an abundance of laughter. 

Arlis is survived by her son, Steve (Melissa) Serby of Ottawa; her daughter, JoAnne Even; six grandchildren, Kylie Even, Nicholas Serby, Allen Serby, Jacob Serby, Keegan Even and Katherine Serby.

Arlis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Glenn Edward Serby; her sister, Marrine Youngman and her brother, John Dougherty.

Pallbearers will be Arlis’ grandchildren, Kylie Even, Nicholas Serby, Allen Serby, Jacob Serby, Keegan Even and Katherine Serby.

The family will direct memorial contributions, in Arlis’ name to the American Stroke Association.

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