Doris "Jean" Arnold

Doris "Jean" Arnold, 81, of Litchfield (RR1, Ulster, Pa) passed away peacefully at her home with her husband by her side on Friday afternoon, September 7, 2007. Jean, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends was born on June 23, 1926 in Harrisburg, Pa. She was the daughter of the late Catherine E. (Wolfe) and LeRoy C. Conrad. Jean attended school in Harrisburg and at the age of 15 graduated from John Harris High School, having skipped grades 3 and 10. Upon her graduation and due to her young age, Jean had to wait to continue her education. Jean then attended the Polyclinic Hospital School of Nursing where she received her RN and practiced as an OB/GYN Nurse and later as an Operating Room Nurse. Always wanting to expand her knowledge Jean continued her education at Penn State University and received her BS. Jean then accepted a position as a regional director for the Pennsylvania Blue Cross and later received her MA from Penn State in Health Care Administration. Jean was always willing to help others in need. As a Health Care Administrator, Jean accepted a position with the (then) State Department of Health and Welfare. She was instrumental in developing Primary Care Regulations and Abortion Clinic Regulations which were adopted by other states as well. For many years, Jean served as Director of the State Kidney Disease Clinic Program, Rural Health Clinic Program, Primary Care Facility Program and the Abortion Clinic Programs. As program director, she issued licenses statewide. She issued the first license to operate to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She met her future husband in 1976 while doing additional Masters level courses at Penn State. On September 8, 1979 in Middletown, Jean married Rodney C. Arnold and together they shared nearly 28 years of happiness. In 1987 Jean resigned her positions to accompany her husband to Hampton, Virginia. A move then came again in 1993 when Jean and Rodney moved to San Antonio, Texas. Having both been born Pennsylvania and Penn State graduates, upon Rodney's retirement in 2004, Jean and Rodney decided to move back to their home state and reside on their farm in Litchfield. Throughout her life, Jean was a avid Penn State football fan and knew all facts concerning PSU Football, having learned from her father who graduated from Penn State in 1927. Jean is survived by her husband Rodney, her sisters Carole Daniels and companion Terry Rinesmith of Palmyra; Jackie Olitsky and her husband Jerry Olitsky of Hellertown, Pa; her mother-in-law Mildred French Arnold (Charles) Briggs, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Sharon M. and Merritt Vargason, Jack C. and Joyce Arnold all of Vawter; several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Jean was predeceased by her parents Catherine E. and LeRoy C. Conrad, her father-in-law Claude N. Arnold and a nephew Michael Olitsky. Abiding with Jean's wishes all services will be held at the convenience of the family. A private family interment will be in the Bumpville Cemetery. Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Doris "Jean" Arnold. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting our website www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com (under obituaries) Caring assistance is being provided by The Cooley Family of the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 South Main St., Nichols.