Arlys Lee (Assink) Straayer

Arlys Lee (Assink) Straayer died On July 13, 2025, at age 81 in her home in Plano, Texas of dementia and kidney failure. Arlys (Lee to most of her friends) was born in Clarion, Iowa to Harold Lee Assink and Nettie (Christians) Assink.

She was raised in Kanawha, Iowa where she scanned the horizon, dreaming of travel. After high school, Arlys attended the American Institute of Business, Des Moines, Iowa for one year before moving to Honolulu, Hawaii. After 3 years in Hawaii, Arlys moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she attended Calvin College, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

In the fall of 1967, through a mutual friend, Arlys met her future husband, Russell Straayer. In the Spring of 1969, Arlys moved to Springfield, Illinois to work for the State of Illinois. Arlys applied for her position at the urging of her friend and future husband, Russell. The friendship grew and the two were married on May 30, 1970. Arlys claimed that the marriage “was the best thing that ever happened to me” as she celebrated the 55th year on May 30 this year.

Arlys moved to Champaign, Illinois in 1980. While in Champaign, Arlys worked as a housewife, for Borders bookstore (collecting thousands of children’s books) and Data Comm for Business, Inc. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Champaign, and a member of the Champaign Altrusa Chapter.

Arlys and her husband Russell moved from Champaign in 2015, following three of her grandchildren, her daughter and son-in-law, to Plano, Texas. She and Russell were fortunate to find a home just blocks away.

Arlys more than fulfilled her travel dreams, visiting 32 countries and 49 states, only missing Idaho. The travel memories she most often spoke of were Hawaii, Italy, Costa Rica and Greece.

She is survived by her husband Russell, daughter Valerie, grandchildren Reagan, Elise, Rowan and Tabitha, her sisters Karen, Avis and Christie. Her son Nathaniel preceded her in death in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her sister Carmen Settles and her parents Harold and Nettie

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Altrusa International, c/o Jeanette Doyle, 1717 Alma Dr, Apt 3034, Plano, Texas 75075. Arlys was a member of Altrusa in Champaign, Illinois and Plano, Texas for 20 years, with her personal focus on literacy, which for her meant children’s books (thousands).

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Grace Presbyterian Church.