Alice Doane

Alice Doane was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life as evidenced by the numerous lives and hearts she touched along the way. She was a woman of faith whose Christian walk was an example to all those within her reach, and a powerful means to witness to others as well. Alice was a woman with great amounts of determination – if she wanted to do something, she somehow always made it work. She was continuously looking for ways in which she could serve others whether she was caring for nearly every aspect of her family or making deliveries for Meals on Wheels, her own needs always faded into the background – and that was just fine with her.

The year 1918 was a time of great trial within our nation as overseas, the United States Army led a massive drive that had committed the largest number of troops in the history of WWI, and back home, the influenza epidemic reached a peak of 202 deaths daily. In Conklin, Michigan, however, Martin and Jessie (Pratt) Stephens were celebrating the birth of their second child, Alice, on November 29th of that same year. Alice grew up on a farm near Conklin where her mother was a homemaker and her father was a farmer who sold the best muskmellons in Ottawa County. Alice was later joined in her family by two younger siblings and surprisingly, she never really liked animals despite growing up on a farm. Alice often rode to the farmers market in the wagon, and she attended Miller Elementary School. She later attended Berlin High where was able to graduate early since she excelled in her studies, allowing her to skip a grade.

After graduating from high school, Alice worked making appliances at Norge in Muskegon, during which time she lived with her aunt and uncle. While attending the family church one day, Alice noticed a handsome young man named Elwin “Al” Doane whom she never really noticed before. He offered to give her a ride home, and she accepted. A dating relationship ensued and the couple was united in marriage on June 25, 1938 at her parents’ home. The newlyweds lived on a farm across the street, although Al would later take a job in a machine shop. Their home didn’t have running water or electricity, and even had a crank phone well into the fifties!

The newlywed couple began thinking of children and were blessed with their first of four children: Roger, in 1941, followed by Carol, in 1943, Dale, in 1946, and Marty, in 1950. Al suffered from schizophrenia and as a result, Alice took on all of the family responsibilities herself. She simply took charge – she saw what needed to be done and did it. Alice not only cared for her children, but also for her husband and later in life, she tenderly cared for her own mother for nine years. At the time, her children just felt nurtured, loved, and cared for, but as adults they look back at what their mother single-handedly did with vast amounts of awe and appreciation. Al’s illness also affected relationships with some neighbors, so in 1956 they moved to the Standale area. In addition to caring for her family, Alice worked as well, first at Lincoln Dairy Bar, then and Laveen’s Department Store, and finally for Bissell from which she retired after 16 years of service.

In so many ways, Alice was a priceless jewel who will be forever cherished by so many. She was modest, quiet, and she could be a bit strong willed when it came to something she was passionate about. Alice never wanted to offend anyone, was a problem-solver and was determined to accomplish anything she put her mind to. In fact, she decided she wanted to travel so she bought a trailer and drove it to Florida without knowing how to back up! Faith always played an important role in Alice’s life and she was a faithful member at Standale Reformed Church where she taught Sunday school and served in the nursery. With her compassionate spirit and generous heart, Alice was always looking for ways to serve others including delivering meals for Meals on Wheels and folding laundry, a task she wanted to do even as a resident at Christian Rest Home.

There were a variety of interests that Alice enjoyed whenever she could. She was an early riser who enjoyed crossword puzzles, crocheting, and scriptures and hymns. Alice played the piano often, even filling in at times for some guest musicians who suddenly found themselves without a pianist while she was a resident at Christian Rest Home. She was a talented cook who was famous for her apple pies and potato salad, and her children remember their mother putting pineapple in everything! Alice had a bit of a sweet tooth as she loved any type of ice cream, and when eating Oreos would keep them neatly aligned in a row. Often times she would eat at night as she suffered from restless leg syndrome which often kept her up.

Later in life, Alice experienced changes that were both easy and hard. She and Al moved to Marsh Ridge, a senior community on the northwest side of the city. Then in 2000, Al died leaving Alice with mixed emotions about his death. On the one hand, she was glad that he wasn’t suffering anymore, but she also missed him terribly. Alice later moved to Christian Rest Home where she remained throughout the rest of her lifetime.

Although she was quiet in nature, Alice Doane was a spiritual giant whose quiet whispers of faith resounded in the hearts of those around her every day. Her son Roger referred to his mother as “my hero,” and was also led to the Lord by this remarkable woman. Alice’s life was not without challenges, but she faced each mountain head on, knowing that it is through struggles that we often become stronger. Although her family says goodbye for now, they delight in knowing that she is now living in her heavenly home. Alice will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Alice E. Doane of Grand Rapids died on September 3, 2009. Alice’s family includes her children Roger (Ann) Doane, Carol (Ed) McClurken, Dale (Linda) Doane, and Marty (Nancy) Doane; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; special cousin, Carolyn Drake; special friends, Kathy Renzema, Marge Schab, and Winnie Fisher; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwin “Al”; and three brothers, Wilson, Clarence, and Stanley Stephens. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Standale Reformed Church, 202 Cummings NW. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. on Monday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo, sign the guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Christian Rest Home or Spectrum Health Hospice.