In loving memory of

Alice C. Almquist
February 15, 1919 - July 6, 2018

Alice Charlotte Johnson passed away on July 6, 2018, in Woodland, California after 99 1/2 years of a truly blessed life. She was born February 15, 1919, on the family farm outside of Red Oak to parents George and Helga Johnson.

After attending country school, she went to Red Oak High School and Jr. College to prepare herself for teaching. During her high school years, she met her future husband, Elwyn Almquist of Essex. Alice taught at three Montgomery county schools, interrupting her career to travel to San Diego to work in an airplane plant to help with the war effort.

Elwyn and Alice married in 1943 and lived at Fort Riley, Kansas where their daughter, Peggy was born before Elwyn was shipped to the Asian Theater. After the war, they resided on the Almquist family farm where Ann, Ron and Lisa were born. In addition to being a mother and farm wife, Alice was active in church, scouts, 4-H, Tomorrow's Club, and she worked to bring various programs to the developmentally disabled.

Later, Alice and Elwyn ran a grocery/dry goods store for over a decade after a move into Essex. Alice went on to become the town's librarian and "historian". Retirement years were just as busy! She was still involved with Nishna Productions (which she helped to found). She continued volunteering and being active with the American Legion and church. Elwyn and Alice made over 200 "comfy covers", 1000 handkerchief Angels, and cleaned myriad pints of black walnuts that they sold and donated. She was best known for her role as "The Apron Lady", putting on programs about the history of aprons. Essex chose her to be Grand Marshall of the Labor Day Parade in 2003.

Alice's parents, seven siblings, one son-in-law, and her husband preceded her in death. She is survived by sister-in-law Marice Young and four children: Peg and husband Tom Monley of Woodland, California; Ann Kummerow of Crystal Lake, Illinois; Ron Almquist and wife Jann of Atascadero, California, and Lisa Almquist of West Sacramento, California. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and their spouses: Chris, Chad, and Andrew Kummerow; Josh, Nate, Lina (Bornstein), and Dominic Monley; Robyn and Sarah Almquist. Alice Is also survived by 15 great grandchildren.

Alice had a full life of blessings and challenges that she met with grace. She so appreciated the support she received from church and community during her later years

Celebration of life funeral service will be held 10:30 am, Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Faith Covenant Church in Essex.

Visitation with the family will be held from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm, Sunday, July 15, 2018 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.

Burial will be held at the Essex Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Nishna Productions.

Tributes

Gerry Rowland wrote on Feb 5, 2019:

"Uploaded a photo of Alice with Page County librarians, circa 1981"

Gerry Rowland wrote on Feb 5, 2019:

"It was a pleasure working with Alice when I was the director of the Shenandoah Public Library, 1979-86. I am very sorry to hear of her passing. Gerry Rowland, Des Moines, IA"

Martha Wenstrand wrote on Jul 16, 2018:

"Alice will be missed. She was so active in the community in so many ways"

'Junior' and Linda Veak wrote on Jul 13, 2018:

"Linda and I were so sorry to see the notice of Alice's passing on facebook. She has always been such a gracious lady since I first met her when Peg and I were in kindergarten together in Essex. Linda first met Alice when we opened the store in Shenandoah and always commented how pleasant and happy she was. Our sympathies especially to you four kids and the many memories you will always remember of such a devoted mother and friend. Bernie & Linda "

Lisa (Burns) Nelson wrote on Jul 12, 2018:

"What a wonderful woman Alice was! Always a friendly neighbor with a smile and something pleasant to talk about. Our sincerest sympathy to the family. "

teresa kirchert reitzler wrote on Jul 11, 2018:

"So sorry to see the passing of Alice she was a great lady, always had a smile. my thoughts are with her family. Teresa Kirchert Reitzler 1969 graduate at Essex High School"

Randall Lang wrote on Jul 10, 2018:

"I knew both her and Wayne as I walked past their place every morning and afternoon for school. They both were very friendly and very outgoing and always had a nice thing to say about everyone. I remember the conversations we used to have and I remember when Wayne used to deliver propane out at the farm years ago. Always pleasant when he stopped out to deliver it. I will miss them both with all my heart. They were truly one of a kind!!! Randall Lang Omaha, NE"

Terry ann Fetz(Schaper) wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"oh my sad to hear that she pass away but at least she recieve her wings very sweet lady whom my family grew up being her friends she once was at Gardenview care center and my aunt love visiting with her before she went home with her daughter rest in peace Alice until we met again Terry ann Fetz ( Schaper)"

Melissa (Gleason ) Thomas wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"What a blessing Alice was to the world. I remember her working at the Essex Library. She was such a sweet, kind-hearted woman. I feel so blessed to have known her. She will be missed, prayers and warm regards to her family."