Arlene Cochran

Arlene Cochran was welcomed into eternal life on October 4, 2025, while being surrounded by her family, who loved her so deeply. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Father Daniel Gifford will celebrate.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  A Recitation of the Rosary will begin promptly at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Geneseo Chapel.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the funeral home.   Memorials may be directed to St. Malachy Catholic Church and Bishop Hill Quilt Club, in honor of Arlene. 

Arlene was born on November 10, 1935, to Myrtle and Charles Specht. She married the love of her life, Carl Cochran, on June 17, 1953. She was his "Sophie". Together, they built a marriage rooted in love, laughter, and faith. They enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Germany and Hawaii, going on cruises, and sneaking away on weekend getaways. At home, they worked side by side, with Arlene serving as Carl’s secretary and helping with his many projects, always handling the staining and varnishing—and keeping him in line along the way. 

Arlene’s Catholic faith was at the very center of her life. She never missed Mass and prayed the rosary daily with a quiet, unshakable devotion. Her deep prayer life gave her strength and served as a guiding example to her family. With a true servant’s heart, she showed through her words and actions the beauty of trusting fully in God and loving others selflessly.

Arlene shared her love and creativity in many ways. She loved quilting, and each piece was stitched with love. She poured her whole heart into each quilt she made. For her family, the holidays meant gathering at Arlene’s home, where they were always welcomed with a big hug and a pan full of her beloved pumpkin bars and cookies. She grew up working hard on the farm, which is where her love for working in her yard, caring for her flowers and plants came from. 

Of all her joys in life, family was the greatest. Arlene and Carl raised three children, Steve, Pam, and Sue, and she delighted in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Recently, she was blessed to welcome a great-great-granddaughter, a gift that brought her tremendous joy. Arlene had a way of making each family member feel especially loved and cherished. Her home was always filled with love and laughter. She had the most beautiful smile and joyful laugh. 

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving children, Steve Cochran of Geneseo, Pamela (Dave) Littig of Geneseo, Susan Cochran of Coal Valley; grandchildren, Dawn (Mike) Dunbar, Dennis (Kim Ringberg) Johnson, Justin Cochran, Brandon Cochran, and Katie (John Lee) Cochran; step-grandchildren, Andrew (Elisa) Dunbar; great-grandchildren, Paige Cochran, Mackenzie (Nick) Nauman, Kyler (Elaina) Rusk, Madison Wancket, Kristopher (Brynlee) Dunbar, Nathan (Danielle) Johnson, Zach Johnson, Lexi Johnson, Eleanor Lee and Robby Lee; step great grandchildren, Nadia Dunbar, David Dunbar, and one on the way; great-great-grandchildren, Abrea Dunbar; brother, Kenny (Mary Ann) Specht of Fort Mills, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Kathy Higgins; and several nieces and nephews.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Myrtle Specht; husband, Carl Cochran; sister, Donna Hamilton; and brother-in-law, Robert Hamilton; and great-great-grandchild, Beckett Nauman.