Arloa passed away on May 18th, surrounded by love, and ready to embark on her next adventure.

Arloa was born on March 1 st , 1932, to Ray and Alice (True) Sprengle in Pueblo, Colorado. She attended primary and high school in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The summer before college, she worked as a switchboard operator, prior to pursuing a degree in Art and Fashion at Colorado Women’s College. Arloa was an incredibly talented artist and seamstress.

Arloa married Charles (Chuck) Kupilik Jr in August of 1953. She attended the University of Colorado Boulder where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority, and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Art. After graduating, Chuck got a job working with the US Forest Service. This took them and their tiny trailer to many beautiful sites in Colorado. This is where Arloa honed her fly fishing skills; she loved to catch and cook the fish. In the fall of 1958, they moved back to Steamboat Springs. They had three children, Tony, Lynn, and Van. She was very active in Little Toots, 4-H, Winter Carnival, and the Buddy Werner League. Arloa loved nature and spending her time outdoors, camping with her family. Arloa was a wonderful listener and friend, who always put others before herself. Arloa had an excellent sense of humor. Arloa was always a few steps ahead of the times. She had an organic garden in the 70’s, she made tofu and yogurt before anyone knew what it was. She was wonderful.

In 1976, the family moved to Laramie, WY where Arloa earned her Real Estate license. In the early 80’s, she and Chuck relocated to Eureka, California where she obtained her Real Estate Brokers license. She and Chuck enjoyed camping and exploring Bluff Creek and Fish Lake.

In the ‘90s, they moved to Loveland, CO. She and Chuck volunteered and became certified Master Naturalists, spending countless hours in the Pawnee National Grasslands. She loved it there. The Literacy Project was important to her. Arloa taught a variety of students. She was proud of them all and committed three years to each student.

In 2012, Arloa moved to Salyer, California. She had a lovely yard and was an avid gardener. She volunteered wherever she felt needed. She was happy to be a part of Dream Quest, a youth organization in Willow Creek, CA, and was proud of the programs they offer. Arloa cherished and saved every letter anyone ever wrote her. Her favorite color was blue, she read Ayn Rand, and loved Robert Frost. She was stubborn when it counted. Her favorite bird was the Magpie, her favorite wildflower was the Fringed Gentian, and she also really loved daisies.

Arloa was predeceased by her parents Ray and Alice Sprengle, her husband Charles Kupilik, Jr, and grandson Riley Bilzing. Arloa is survived by her brother Jack Sprengle of Steamboat Springs, CO, and sister Linda Robinson (Stuart) of San Diego, CA. Her children Charles (Tony) Kupilik III (Lianne), Lynn Murphy (Dave), and Van Kupilik. Grandsons Charles (Charlie) Kupilik IV (Ashlee), Kristopher Kupilik, Shane Kupilik (Kayla), Taron Bilzing (Maggie), Wolfgang Bilzing (Emily), and Ryele Kupilik. Great granddaughter Arloa Kupilik and great grandson Matthias Kupilik.

We had her here with us for a very long time. She will be dearly missed.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Arloa’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.