Born on November 9, 1939, to Tollak and Stella Tollefson, and raised in Bonilla, South Dakota. She was the youngest of six daughters (LuVerne, Theone, Doris, Ruth, Jeaniene--who is the only surviving sister--and Arlette).

She married Jack G. Harris and they spent a wonderful 56 years together. The family lived in several towns in Michigan (Litchfield, Charlevoix and Holly) where Jack served as a pastor. Their retirement years were spent in several places: at their house on Houghton Lake, MI, and at their homes in Ormond-by-the-Sea, FL and Chicago, IL.

Arlette is the truly beloved mother of three children and their spouses: Sonia and Jeff Semenchuk (Chicago, IL), Dr. Paul and Allison Harris (Chicago, IL) and Dr. Eric and Amber Harris (Edmonds, WA). She is also the best grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Andre and Katia Semenchuk; Olivia, Jack and Julia Harris; Max, Gabe, Mason, Brook Lynn and Margret Harris. In addition to her dear sister Jeaniene Woodford, she is also survived by her wonderful brother-in-law William Scheibe and 20 Tollefson nieces and nephews.

Professionally, Arlette was a gifted elementary school teacher for 38 years who spent countless after-school and weekend hours helping her students succeed. Each of her students left her classroom reading at or above grade level. She was a deeply faithful woman who was a very active partner to Jack in many ministries in the churches where they truly served as a team, touching many lives with the love of Christ.

Arlette had many interests and passions. She loved visual and musical arts (especially Broadway musicals), and she was an accomplished oil painter. Some of her favorite activities included camping, fishing, walking the beach, and visiting museums and zoos with her grandchildren. She lived life with joy.

In lieu of flowers, expressions to celebrate Arlette's life may be made in her memory to First Baptist Church of Holly, Michigan for the children's ministries.