Alice Whitford

Alice Whitford, age 99, Iola, passed away on her birthday Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, at Allen County Regional Hospital, Iola. Alice was born on Jan. 11, 1920, in Humboldt, to William L. and Georgia M. (Morelan) Tasche.

Alice attended grade school in rural Allen County and high school in Humboldt. Alice and Leo B. Whitford were married June 13, 1937, in Chanute. Alice worked at Boeing on B-29 bombers during World War II, where she was a true “Rosie the Riveter.”

Alice loved her children and grandchildren. She was a homemaker, who loved gardening, baking, cooking, and she made beautiful flower arrangements from flowers she grew in her garden. Alice enjoyed writing letters and sending cards to her family, friends, and missionaries. Alice liked to help others, and supported missionaries from her church. She was a children’s Sunday school teacher for over 30 years. Alice will be remembered as the family caregiver.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, on Sept. 8, 1991; her parents; two sisters, Jenny Lee Tasche and Mae Tasche Taylor; three brothers, Lowell Tasche, Garret Tasche, and Cloyd “Corky” Tasche.

Alice is survived by daughters, Annamae Semrad, Thayer, Kansas, Leona Cole and husband, Jerry, Edmond, Okla., and Betty Jane Hamilton, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; two brothers, Wesley Tasche and wife, Naomi, Chanute, and Floyd Tasche, Bossier City, La.; one sister, Betty Stephens, Warrensburg, Mo.; six grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday at First Assembly of God Church immediately followed by a funeral service honoring Alice’s life at 1:30 p.m. at the church, 1020 E. Carpenter St., Iola. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, Iola.

A memorial is suggested to the First Assembly of God Missionary Fund, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.