Obituary: Elias, Alice Lillian
Age 94
A longtime resident of the Spokane Valley, Alice was sur- rounded by her children and grandchildren in her last peaceful hours.
Alice was born in Drayton, ND., on August 26, 1919, to Paul and Lillian (Langowski) Kosmatka.
After completing the 8th grade, with the Great Depression beginning, she worked in the potato fields and as a cook’s helper during harvest to support her family.
She enjoyed dancing and met her future husband, John Peter Elias from St. Thomas, ND., who enjoyed dancing with her.
They married in September of 1939 and were planning a 70th wedding anniversary before John passed away on September 4, 2009.
She is preceded in death by her parents; a baby sister, Helen, and three brothers: Stanley, killed at the Battle of the Bulge; Harry of Nekoosa, WI., and much beloved brother, Sylvester (Bertha) who lived long and raised a family in Yakima, WA.
Alice is survived by her sister, Delores (Wes) Arseth of Brainerd, MN; and her five children: Jack (Barbara) of Mill Creek, WA., Earl (Marilyn) of Spokane, WA., Joe (Melania) of Olympia, WA., Ione (John Clagett) of Spanaway, WA., Harold (Mary Alice) of Seattle, WA.
She leaves eleven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; plus many friends and good neighbors.
Square dancing, bingo, watching reruns of Little House on the Prairie, and rooting for the “Zags” were favorite pastimes.
Even when her eyes failed her, she would smile and offer her hand to all.
Alice was devoted to the Old Roman Catholic Church, Latin Rite.
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, April 26, at 2:00 pm at St Joseph’s Cemetery, E. 17825 Trent Ave., Spokane Valley.
A reception will follow where everyone can share stories about Alice.
Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.FuneralAlternatives.org Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Lacey.
360-491-2222.