Janet L. Arnold,84 of Freeport, IL, formerly of Lena, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, December 27, 2024, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL. She was born on June 27, 1940, to Bernard and Deloris (Hecklesmiller) Stodden in Galena, IL. She married Donald Arnold on June 25, 1960, in Galena, IL and together they raised 5 children. She stayed at home raising her children until they were older, and she went to work at Kolb-Lena for several years.  In the 1970's she started at the Lena-Winslow School District as a bus driver, where many of her students knew her as "Don". In the early 1980's she worked at the Moose Club in Freeport as a cook until her retirement.

Janet loved collecting lady bugs, in her 60's she even got a ladybug tattoo. In her retirement she often took the bus trips over to Dubuque to the casinos playing the slot machines aka the "1 armed Bandit". Most of all she loved her family and her dog Mia, she never turned down a chance to hang out with them.

She is survived by her 5 children, Don (Gina) Arnold  of Lena, IL,  Kevin (Cindy) Arnold of Orangeville, IL, Brian Arnold of Apple River, IL, Michael (Lori) Arnold of Warren, IL,  Daniel Arnold of Orangeville, IL; 9 grandchildren- Brandon, Brittni, Jonathan, Angela, Michael, Christopher, Jacob, Danielle, and Lee; 9 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Cathy Stodden of Freeport, IL.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Don in 2005, and brother, Michael Stodden.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 am at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lena, IL

A visitation will take place from 10:00 am until time of service.

Father Andrew Hernandez will be officiating the service.

Burial will take place at St Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Lena, IL.

A memorial has been established in her name.