Arla Martindale, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away Wednesday Oct. 22, 2025 surrounded by her family.

Born on July 2, 1940 in Beloit, Wisconsin, she was a cherished youngest child of Wilber and Luella Johnson, who called her “Sunny” because she was the sunshine of their lives.

Arla attended the University of Wisconsin, Santa Barbara City College, and completed her education at University of Southern California in business management and communications.

She had been actively involved in real estate until 1977. As a Realtor she won numerous awards for her outstanding accomplishments.

Arla was the first woman to hold the title of Outstanding Realtor of the Year in 1979, a distinction based on consistent sales totaling over $1 million; personal and professional integrity.

She was president of the Real Estate Masters from 1979-83 which is a training program for Realtors. Because of the tremendous response it was put on video and sold nationally.
In 1983 she earned credentials as an Accredited Financial Consultant.

She was chief executive of the editorial staff for a timely financial news publication through Merrill Lynch Co. from 1980-83.

Arla was a broker and owner of Management West, a property management/investment company throughout Southern California.

She took an interest in social and political organizations in her municipality. She was active in community organizations promoting general welfare and local business opportunities, helped to implement plans for growth and improvement of her community.

Arla was also a member of National Association for Female Executives.

She was the president of Christian Women’s Association from 1972-75, which is a nondenominational national organization. She was on the national speaking circuit for Christian organizations.

She was well known for her expertise in motivational lectures and biblical exposition. She would conduct seminars and workshops on motivation.

Being a third generation RLDS she had held various offices in the church: District Women Leader, Christian Education Commissioner, Leadership Commissioner, Zionic Relations commissioner.

Arla was very proud to be one of the first women to be called to the position of priest during the early years when women had not been able to hold such a position.

She was the Central California District chair for Temple Funding and District and Branch Missionary Commissioner.

Arla was a member of the Santa Barbara Branch of the Community of Christ Church and held the office of Seventy.

Our mother’s greatest job and everlasting joy was being a mother to her children and a devoted grandmother and great grandmother. Children were number one to her and she was never too busy to be there, caring for us before herself.

Keith and Arla’s home was a place people of all ages felt welcomed and embraced. Her natural ability to make others feel included was indeed a special gift. Her warmth and uncanny ability to listen deeply made their home a beacon for others.

She leaves behind her husband Keith Martindale; their sons Kenneth, Jr. (Michele), Kim; and daughters Sherryl (Doug), Kathleen (Eric), Linda (Jim) and Melany (Pete); granddaughters Kendall, Skylar, Catherine and Katy; grandsons Michael, James, Shane and Chris (Laureline); great grandchildren Caleb and Cyia; and a precious canine companion Luna.

While we know everything in life changes and nothing stays the same in our hearts and memories we will be forever grateful to have been loved by our mother and how wonderful it was to have her in our lives.

You are invited to a Celebration of Life service to be held 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at Community of Christ Church, 4675 Via Los Santos, Santa Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arla’s memory may be made to Outreach International or a charity of your choice.