Arlene Joyce Wagstaff Rech

Arlene (Wagstaff) Rech went home to be with Jesus on July 30, 2026, after an extended stay in a local Skilled Nursing Facility for rehabilitation for knee replacement and ensuing injuries from falling shortly after the surgery.

She is survived by her husband, of nearly 53 years, Karl H. Rech of Wilson, NC; her daughter Erika Stillman and husband Steve of Wilson, NC and her son Adam Rech and wife Rachel of Wilson, NC; and her granddaughter Ashley-Joyce Rech Stillman Terry and husband Jackson ; her grandson Lawrence Rech; her grandson Nicholas Stillman and her granddaughter Brittany Rohrer as well as three great grandchildren and her sister Margaret Brennan; her brother Allen Wagstaff and wife Sharon; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews all of whom she loved more than words can ever express.

She was the daughter of the late Lawrence Erwin Wagstaff and the late Florence Adelia (Moulton) Wagstaff of Buckton, New York; and preceded in death by her brother Lawrence Wagstaff Jr and his wife Joanne as well as her brother-in-law William Brennan.

Arlene was a registered diet technician and worked in several hospitals and a nursing home in Upstate New York before moving with her family to the Wilson area in 1996. Shortly after moving here, and for 14 years, she worked at Beddingfield High School as a baker, which she loved, and where she befriended many of the staff and students – especially those on the sports teams – and many of their coaches as well. She loved going to football and basketball games and many of the student athletes referred to her as “Mom” (which she loved). She was an avid Duke and Buffalo Bills fan and most Friday nights and weekends you would find her either at a sporting event in person or watching one on TV. She loved feeding her birds and just hated those pesky squirrels. For the past 15 years she loved going to the trailer at Emerald Isle and especially when the military planes were doing exercises off the coast.

Arlene and her husband have been members of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church (EPC) since 2018 and have made many dear and cherished friends there. Her Homegoing Service will be in the sanctuary at their church, 1100 Forest Hills Road NW, Wilson, NC 27896, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 pm with visitation with the family immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.

In memory of her love of young people and the beach trailer donations can be made in her honor to: Choices Women’s Center, 702 Broad Street, Wilson, NC 27893 or to the Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol, P O Box 4116, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.