Alice Arline (Burns) Shepard was born on Feb. 19, 1922, and passed peacefully to her Lord on April 20 (Easter Sunday), 2014. She was the middle child of three raised in Eddyville, Iowa ,where her older sister still lives.

Her younger half-brother has also passed on.

She met Burton Shepard from a neighboring town when he was hitching a ride to the swimming pool in town. She and her girlfriend persuaded him to join them at a watermelon party instead. They were married Feb. 15, 1943, in Hollywood, traveled with the Navy and enjoyed more than 65 years together.

Her favorite place to live was Whidbey Island.

They had four daughters, Barbara Luther, Carol Gardner (deceased), Donna Martens (Bill), and Linda Sharp (Willie). Alice also leaves seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Her family was all important to her and she was truly the hub that kept it all together.

Alice worked for the U.S. government for over 30 years as a data processor and shift supervisor. She was a great cook and made out-of-this-world pies. She was an expert needlewoman, making afghans for each of her grandchildren and most of her great-grandchildren.

She and Burton enjoyed fishing, dancing and playing cards with friends. She liked listening to “swing” or Big Band music and watching classic movies. She was an avid Mariners fan. Go Mariners!

Burton and Alice moved to Warm Beach Senior Community in 2008. After he passed away in 2011, she moved into the assisted living wing. Since a fall at Christmas, she has been in the nursing wing rehabbing.

Everyone at Warm Beach loved her dearly because of her warmth and amazing sense of humor. They called her “Our Little Alice.”

She will be greatly missed by all of us.

Alice requested no formal funeral services be held. Please visit Alice’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.

Memorials in Alice’s memory may be made to Warm Beach Senior Communities, 20420 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292.