Arleene Marie LaBelle

Arleene Marie LaBelle (Leaf), 81, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on June 5, 2026, in Colorado Springs. She was born on June 26, 1944, to Arthur and Eileene Leaf (Nelson) in Denver, Colorado. Arleene attended South Park High School in Fairplay, Colorado, where she was active in 4-H, band, and cheerleading. She graduated in 1962 and then went to Pueblo to attend St. Mary Corwin School of Nursing, graduating in 1965. Arleene spent a couple of years honing her nursing skills and then enlisted in the United States Navy as a nurse in 1967. She retired from the Navy in 1970. In 1968, Arleene married Michael James LaBelle in Portsmouth, Virginia. After a few years as a military wife with stints in both California and Virginia, Arleene returned to her beloved Colorado, settling in Grand Junction. Arleene returned to college at Colorado Mesa University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services. She then restarted her nursing career at Hilltop Rehabilitation Hospital, focusing on rehabilitation, a passion she developed during her time in the Navy. Arleene worked at Hilltop until 1990, when she moved to Colorado Springs. She continued her nursing career over the next several years, ultimately working at Penrose St. Francis as a Case Manager. Arleene loved being a nurse, as demonstrated by her commitment not only to the profession but, more so, to the individuals she helped and cared for over so many years. She earned several honors during her career, including Nurse of the Year for Colorado Nurses’ Association District 5 and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Nursing Award for Clinical Excellence. After retirement, when she wasn’t working in her garden, Arleene was involved in the Southern Colorado Honor Flight and served as a Grand friend for School District 11. Most rewarding for Arleene, though, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whether it was traveling to new places or just playing a game of cards. Arleene was also a wonderful friend, and the friendships she cultivated and maintained over the years meant so much to her.

Arleene was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Leaf, and her mother, Eileene Leaf (Nelson). She is survived by her daughters, Kristen Brake of Littlefield, Texas, and Gretchen Wilson (Tim) of Colorado Springs. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Landry (Erlinda) of Bayfield, CO; Kenzie (Brittany) of Lubbock, TX; Allison of Missoula, MT; Caitlyn of Bellingham, WA; and twins Nate and Noah of Littlefield, TX. She also leaves behind 4 great-grandchildren, Baylor, Brooklyn, Brinley, and Baker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice or Southern Colorado Honor Flight. A memorial service will be held on July 24th at 10:00 am at the Springs Funeral Home, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. The family asks that you please wear pastels or light colors in honor of Arleene.