HILLSBORO, NH: Arlene V. (Kothe) Johns, 71, of Hillsboro, NH died Wednesday January 16, 2019 at Brigham & Women Hospital in Boston, MA. 

Arlene was born in Queens, NY on March 2, 1947 to the late Louis and Virginia (Korn) Kothe. 

Arlene was a resident of Hillsboro for 46 years where she was an avid contributor to the community.  She was a kind and energetic lady who could be all business and all caring at the same time. These traits served her well in her positions at the Hillsboro-Deering High School, as the Secretary, and eventually as the School Nurse. She was able to reach many a teen in her time there, many of whom still reached out to her in the current day. Arlene also held positions on the Planning Board, as well as countless other boards and other committees, for the betterment of the town of Hillsboro during her time there. She unselfishly gave her time to her community in so many ways. Currently, Arlene served as Supervisor of the Checklist, was on the Board of Directors for Greater Hillsboro Senior Services, and was a member of the Peterborough Garden Club. 

Arlene was devoted to her faith and also very active in the Smith Memorial Congregational Church. She had worked there as the Secretary, on the Minister Search and Music Committees and was a leader of the Senior High Youth Group. She devoted her business and caring energy toward keeping the church on its mission to serve the people well. Arlene was a long time member of the church choir and the hand bell choir; hobbies that filled her life with music. 

Arlene's favorite things to do were travel and garden. She traveled far and wide to continents many people only dream of. She loved to travel with close friends and take in the beauty of the world. On a quieter day, she could be found wandering in her yard, planting, weeding and making things beautiful. She had a heart’s home away from home at Star

Island at the Isles of Shoals. She loved the ocean. Star Island truly was her spirit’s home. She spent time over the years working in the Spring to get the island ready for the summer season, and more importantly, let her mind rest from it's busy life there with her visits every summer. 

Arlene was passionate about her community involvement and her hobbies, yet she was equally passionate about her family. Grandma came to countless games, concerts, performances and school events to support her grandchildren. She was known to people far beyond her family because she was a “regular” in their lives. She was always smiling, laughing and joking with others to constantly bring joy or lighten a moment. She hosted holidays and created traditions and memories to last a lifetime. She was giving to her family in both big and sometimes the smallest of ways, never expecting anything in return. 

Arlene is survived by her husband of 36 years, Jack Johns, also of Hillsboro, her children, Melanie Doherty and her husband Chris of Concord, Jennifer Plourde and her husband Jim of Pembroke, Michael Ritter and his wife Joanne of Warner, Jonathan Johns of Mission Viejo, CA and Jeremy Johns and his wife Tania of Charleston, 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. 

Services will be held Friday, January 25, 2019 at 11 am in the Smith Memorial Congregational Church in Hillsboro, NH. 

Burial will be in the Spring at the convenience of the family. 

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Hillsboro, NH is assisting the family.