Arlen Sidwell

Arlen Sidwell, 88, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, formerly of Ohlman, Illinois, passed away at 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Keystone Place at Magnolia Commons in Glen Carbon.

Born on April 12, 1938, in Vandalia, Illinois, Arlen was the daughter of William McCoy and Lois (Cook) McCoy. She married Jerold Sidwell, who preceded her in death.

Arlen devoted her life to education and positively impacted countless young lives throughout her teaching career. She taught in the Nokomis, Fillmore, and Rosamond school districts, serving in several educational roles over the years. Her final position was as a Pre-K teacher, a role she cherished deeply. Her dedication to early childhood education earned her the opportunity to represent Nokomis Pre-K at the CAYCE Conference in Chicago.

A woman of faith, Arlen served as a lay speaker for her church and enjoyed sharing her faith and encouragement with others. In her free time, she loved traveling, quilting, working puzzles, listening to bluegrass music, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Chris (Marla) Sidwell of Irving, Jennifer (Jerry) Leibold of Granite City, and Andy Sidwell of Vandalia; her grandchildren, Chelsea (Nick) Brawley of Granite City, Jeremiah (Cierra) Leibold of Edwardsville, and Alyssa Leibold of Dallas, Texas; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Hannah, and Hailee Brawley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerold Sidwell; her parents, William and Lois McCoy; and her brother, Mark McCoy.

Arlen will be remembered for her love of teaching, her kind and caring nature, and the many lives she touched throughout her years as an educator, mentor, and friend.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis with Jerry Leibold officiating. Burial will follow at Kettlekamp Cemetery in Nokomis.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are entrusted to Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home, Nokomis, Illinois.

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