Obituary of Arlina Lagemann

The strongest woman and warrior we know -- Arlina Marie Lagemann, née Blevins, 58, departed from Earth on June 2, 2024. She spent her final moments enveloped in the arms and love of family at her home in Independence, KY.

Arlina was the daughter of the late Arlie Blevins and Almedia [Collins] Blevins, born on July 3, 1965 in West Hamlin, West Virginia.  Upon high school graduation, Arlina obtained certification as a medical assistant. A natural caregiver, she constantly put others’ comfort and needs above her own. The professional pathway she took though migrated from medicine to education. She worked and retired from being a certified kindergarten assistant and special education aide, nurturing many elementary age children at Summit View Elementary, Kenton Elementary and Caywood Elementary in Kenton County, KY. Profoundly spiritually connected, it was important to Arlina to not just remember but to live and carry out in her work the words of her Savior: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14 NIV).

Arlina loved listening and dancing to music of all genres, including Christian music. Little did she know that this very thing would lead her to the love of her life. She met the man who would be her husband at a local concert which his band happened to be playing one fateful night.

An introverted person, Arlina showed her goofy and silly side only to those closest to her. Although quiet and placid most of the time, Arlina could be exceedingly brave and intrepid, especially towards the end of her time here with us. The very treatments intended to care and heal Arlina actually hurt her. She discontinued these and instead turned to experimental medicine and research, joining many trials. Her participation in these various trials gave her little to no relief, but they did do something larger, something more impactful—they helped oncologists learn things they hadn’t known before and in doing so (and most importantly), Arlina’s noble and selfless gift has helped others struggling with the same illness. Arlina touched each and every person at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Care Center. She was also the most recent recipient of the Cancer Family Care 2024 Unsung Hero Award.

Arlina was the beloved wife and soulmate of Steve Lagemann; the best and most devoted mom to Reilly (Colin) Lagemann and Bailey (Jonathan) Lagemann; treasured sister to Arletta Faller and sister-in-law to Judy Good, Dan Lagemann, Pete Lagemann, and Jean Stoner; special aunt and great-aunt to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as an adored friend to a multitude of folks. She was also the steadfast guardian to cats Samson and Chloe. Arlina was welcomed into the sweet hereafter with a big hug by her parents, her brother Arlie Blevins, Jr., and her sister Alma “Candy” McDine.

All are invited to a cookout celebrating Arlina’s life and legacy at 2103 Golden Valley Dr., Independence, KY, 41051 on Saturday June 22, 2024. Friends and family will gather to share memories and stories, listen to many of Arlina’s favorite tunes as well as find solace in one another's company. Festivities will begin at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of cut floral arrangements or other gifts, please consider instead expressing your sympathy with a packet of wildflower seeds or a perennial potted plant, both of which will be transplanted into Arlina’s backyard garden. You may also choose to donate funds to the family in order to help with the purchase of a new cherry tree or; finally, a memorial donation online in Arlina’s name to the American Lung Association. 

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