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Arlene Kerbs

Jan. 6, 1945 - Dec. 17, 2025

Date of Service: Dec. 26, 2025

BURLEY – Arlene Kerbs, an 80-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley.

Arlene was born on January 6, 1945, in Gothenburg, Nebraska, to John Burr Babcock and Irene Mae Murray Babcock. She was the third of three children. The family moved to Idaho in 1960, and Arlene attended high school in Burley. She went on to attain an associates degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She entered the nursing field with an LPN degree and spent 35 years at Cassia Regional Hospital, most of which were spent in the nursery taking care of all of the babies. That was her favorite part of her job and all of the attending physicians were very grateful over the years for her knowledge and instincts.

Arlene met Herbert Kerbs during her stint in the ER at Cassia Regional hospital. They hit it off and were married in September of 1971. They were together for 33 years. Arlene and Herb did not have kids of their own but Arlene had two children from a prior marriage, Melissa Ann and Benjamin Craig.

Arlene loved the outdoors and loved to camp and garden, she used to crochet many nice blankets and was a Girl Scout co-leader when Melissa was in Girl Scouts. She loved to make little bows for all the babies at the Cassia Regional Birth Center and tried to make sure each baby had a bow on their head before they went home from the hospital. She was an active member of First Christian Church in Burley, serving as a Deaconess and later as an Elder until the church closed it’s doors.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Matt) Fetzer; and her son, Craig (Kristi) Kerbs; as well as one grandson, Josh (Jordanne) Fetzer; and three great-grandsons, Jaxen Fetzer, Bexten Fetzer and Ayden Fetzer; and her beloved dogs, Bella and Allie.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Kerbs; her parents, John & Irene Babcock; her brother, John LaVerne Babock; and her sister, Eunice Goetsch.

We wish to thank the staff at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center for the wonderful care provided during Arlene’s stay there and to all of the staff at Cassia Regional Medical Center for the care and comfort they provided to Arlene as well as her family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 East 16th Street, in Burley, where a visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Condolences for Arlene Kerbs

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Suzan Taylor:

Arlene not only took care of my first born baby. She trained and mentored me at Cassia Memorial Hospital when I first started my nursing career. I also had the pleasure of taking care of Arlene during her stay at Parkeview Care and Reab. Rest In Peace . Prayers to your family.

From William Sallustro:

Craig and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss and extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother Arlene. Her years of compassionate service as a nurse, especially caring for newborns, reflect the loving and generous spirit she shared with so many.
On behalf of TRIO, and personally from all of us who are fortunate to call you a friend, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

From Donna McBride :

She was my mentor at work and in friendship. Her quiet demeanor and gentle hands held so many babies, including mine. She taught me so much in life and in my career. I will treasure our many talks as we held babies and grew professionally and personally. There will be much joy at Christmas in Heaven as Arlene is reunited with her husband, family and dear friends. "Well done, thy good and faithful nurse!"

From Shirley Halford Hubbard:

Arlene was an awesome nurse. She taught me so much when I began working in the New Born Nursey at Cassia Hospital so many years ago. She was so loving to the Mom's & babies. I will always remember her smile and chuckle. You will always be remembered. We will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace. Lots of love to you.....

From Cindy S:

She was the highlight of my day! We talked about many different topics. She is missed by many - staff and residents. I can see her smile.

From Cindy Croft:

She held and comforted thousands of babies born in our community. Arlene’s uniform was her badge of devotion and caring that touched so many families. She loved her family with that same fierce love. I will always remember her cute chuckle, it was her trademark.

From Sharon Jeppson:

She was so nice.

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