Alice Ware-Carpenter, 86, of Libby

Alice Hannah Ware-Carpenter went to dance with the angels May 23, 2014, after a fierce battle with dementia. She passed peacefully at home, secure in her family’s love and her incredible faith.

Alice was born Feb. 25, 1928, in Brusett at the home of Mrs. Jack Richardson to Arthur Wilbur Ware and Dora Mae Ware. Alice grew up and attended grade schools in the Missouri River Breaks of eastern Montana. She attended Garfield County High, in Jordan, graduating in 1946. She later married Clyde LeRoy Carpenter on Dec. 23, 1946, in Columbus. They spent several years following the oil rigs in Wyoming, Oklahoma and Montana before moving to Libby in early 1954. Alice resided at her home on Kootenai River Road for the past 60 years.

Alice and Clyde raised eight children on the family farm. Janice Volkman (Fred) of Okla., Cathy Ness of Libby, Bobbie Ferguson of Libby, Deanna Greenough of Ore., Delbert Carpenter (Janet) of Ind., Connie (Paul) Tisher of Libby, Clyde Lyle of Libby, and Alice Anna (John) Thomas of Ariz.

Alice is survived by all eight children and 20 grandchildren: Jack Peek Jr.; Sarah Gore; Melissa Hintz; Maggie Mills; Aaron Mills; Brandon Ness; Brittany Ness; Brenda Ness; Tamie Ellis; Kami Jo Miller; Nicole Carpenter; Megan Carpenter; Taylor Carpenter; Gary; Mike; Dereck Carpenter; Ryan Carpenter; Kyle Dexter; Logan Hommel; Brett and Cody Glona, and many other great-grand children, all of whom were spoiled, encouraged and enjoyed an occasional stern lecture. Alice had many friends, nieces, nephews and was called “Mom” by many. A special child of Alice’s heart was Carla.

During her 86 years, Alice developed many interests and talents. Her husband, Clyde, became disabled at an early age. She became his caregiver until his passing in 1984. Alice was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, the Fine Arts Group, the Past Officer in the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Nile for many years. She was also a published poet.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Clyde Carpenter; parents, Arthur and Dora Ware; sisters Selah Swanser and Jean Gilroy; and brother Art Ware; granddaughter Josie Lauer and Tucker Carpenter.