Arla Marie Sullivan of Jacksonville, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2025, at 81. She was a devoted wife, adoring mother, cherished grandmother, loving sister and trusted friend. Arla understood the value of love and laughter and lived a life filled with both. She was gentle, thoughtful, sweet and kind, cherished by all that had the pleasure of knowing her.
The youngest daughter of Talmer and Signa Gillund, she was born and raised in Preston, Minn., along with her five siblings. As a young adult Arla studied music at Middle Tennessee State University and later moved to Milwaukee, Wis. There she worked as a hospital secretary where she handed a paycheck to a young Pat Sullivan and ignited a lifelong love story that took them halfway around the world and back. In 1967 the two were married and brought their twins into this world – Kathy and Beth. Adventure and patriotism called and moved them to Sasebo, Japan during the Vietnam war. While living in Sasebo, Arla gave birth to their son Michael. In Japan the young couple experienced a way of life that they would respect and honor in their own home for the rest of their lives. Japan was followed by a quick stop in Southern California where they had their fourth child, Stevie. The family then moved to Casper, Wyo., the place they would finally call home. There she gave birth to their fifth child, Erin, and devoted her adult years to raising her children. Being a mother of five kids was busy and often chaotic but was Arla’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. As an empty nester, Arla began a second career working as a hostess, where she gained a newfound sense of purpose and confidence. She discovered a gift for small talk, community and the occasional swear word. These were some of her happiest years. In 2006, Arla and Patrick said goodbye to the Wyoming winters and moved to Palm Coast, Fla., to begin their newest new chapter of life, retirement.
Arla was a gifted seamstress, sewer, quilter, stained glass artisan and handcrafter of handmade gifts made with love. She treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren, and in later years she found new joy in simple days – never missing a “Murder, She Wrote,” “Downton Abby” or a “Dateline” episode – but her passion for sewing and quilting never waned.
Arla was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Pat, and by their eldest daughter, Beth, in 2010.
She is survived by her four children: Kathy, her husband Greg and daughter Scarlett; Michael, his children Christopher and Sarah; Stevie and his beloved Rebecca; Erin, her husband Justin and their son Talmer; and her brother Dan.
The family will hold a memorial service in Casper, Wyo., the place where Arla and Pat called home for nearly 30 years. We carry her now in our hearts and memories.
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