Aunt Alice

taken at a family campout in the 1989. see? her hands are full, working on a project!
(photo by my Dad)

This is my Aunt Alice. Dad's youngest sister, Mom to three daughters and a son, grandmother of six. Uncle Wayne's bride of 56 years.

Uncle Wayne and Aunt Alice on the beach, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary
(photo by Russ Hyde)

These two are so in love. They always dressed alike. They retired on the same day, so as not to waste a minute of their precious time together. They cooked, fished, worked and played as a team, inseparable.

Give Alice any challenge, and she would accomplish it. Incredibly creative, her hands were rarely idle. She could always be counted upon to come up with a wonderful craft project or a delicious recipe. She always had an opinion, and she loved to laugh. She was a Presence.

Alice in the center, with Aunt Ele on the left and Grandma on the right, some time in the 60's.
(the Coors and the Salems are Alice's)
(photo by Dad)

That is why I miss her so. Even though in recent decades we only saw each other once a year, those few days were always rich with Aunt Alice's presence. Preparing food for our family's annual reunion this week, I found myself thinking, "hmm... Alice would like this..." and then I'd stop short, and remember that she would not be with us this year, for the first time ever.

She was a great lady, and I will always love her and miss her.