Arlene L. Yates Babo, age 80, of Erie, passed away Friday, March 5, 2010 at Hamot Medical Center. Born May 15, 1929 in Luthersburg, PA she was the daughter of the late Sherman and Mary Crystal Luther Yates.

Arlene was a homemaker and a founding member of St. Luke Church. She was the silent “Scrabble Queen” defeating all opponents in her way. She was an avid bowler, loved tennis, and enjoyed reading. Arlene was described by her daughters as “the best mother in the world.”

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters, Vivian Yates and Betty Carter, and a brother, Sherman Yates.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Robert “Bob” J. Babo whom she married on July 2, 1949; 3 daughters, Nancy Rowe, husband Craig, of Sharon Center, Ohio, Suzanne Winschel, husband Edward, of Erie, and Cheryl Best, husband Lloyd, of North East; 4 grandchildren, Stephanie and Jason Benney, Adam McCracken, wife Corinne, and Joshua Best; 2 great grandchildren, Kassidie and Moses; 3 nephews, Jim Yates, David Carter, and Kenny Yates; and a very dear friend, Mary Steiner.

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the A. Brugger & Sons Funeral LLP, 845 East 38th Street at Pine Avenue. Services will be held there on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Research Foundation, 1001 State Street, Suite 1400, Erie, PA 16501.