Alice Ingalls Smith was not long enough on this earth, so say the hundreds of family and friends who are now saying goodbye to this big-hearted, humor-loving, playful young lady of 74 years. Alice / Ali Kay / Auntie Alice / Gramma Ali loved all things family. She lit up every time she had an opportunity to visit with family. And no visit was complete without a game of Pinochle, Hand and Foot, Progressive Rummy, or Canasta. She also enjoyed board games and jigsaw puzzles. Anything that meant family was laughing and playing together. She was a force to be reckoned with when it came to cards. She was known for being unbeatable. Even after having had her eighth stroke, she was still winning at cards. Alice also loved sewing. She made clothes and stuffed animals for many children. She even made prom and homecoming dresses. And lots and lots of blankets. She enjoyed crafts and was an avid reader.
Ali Kay was born in Prairie City, Oregon on 10 April 1945. And she died in Gresham, Oregon on 2 March 2020 in the same facility in which her mom died. She was the youngest of 11 children. She grew up in John Day, Oregon. She spent the majority of her adult life as a homemaker. She taught her children (and many friends of her children who also called her “Mom”) to treat all people the way they would want to be treated. To live the life they want to live and be the person they want to be, even if others try to get in the way. And that they are perfect just the way they are.
She was preceded in death by her parents Eri Richard Ingalls and Ethel Josephine Randall. And by four of her sisters, Rachel Pierce, Jeanette Randall, Betty Ingalls, and Rose Davidson.
She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Her son Darrell Smith Jr. and his daughters Sabrina and Ashlyn Smith. Her daughter Desiree Rogers and her daughters Alicea and Kayleen Rogers. Her daughter Jamie LaCour and her children Crystal’Rose Powell and DWayne LaCour. Also by Crystal’s children Justin, Alyssa, Dylan, and Ryan Powell. She is also survived by her three brothers, Richard, Aaron, and Eri Roland Ingalls. And three of her sisters, Grace Dellett, Ione Hovde, and Beanie Hobgood.
There will be viewings held at Gresham Memorial Chapel in Gresham, Oregon. Sunday March 8th from 6-8pm and Monday March 9th from 11am-1pm. Graveside service will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham, Oregon on March 9th at 1:30pm. A gathering will be held in her honor at the home of her daughter, Desiree Rogers, on March 9th at 4:30pm. Alice requested that we all wear colorful clothes and celebrate her life rather than mourn her death. So keep your black clothes in your closet. And come prepared to share some fun stories about Alice. She would love that!
In lieu of flowers, her children ask that you bring a game, playing cards, and/or a jigsaw puzzle to one of the above events. The family will donate these to a local charity in Alice’s name. If you wish to send something via mail instead, please send to Gresham Memorial Chapel.
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