Alice Myrtle Florence, 60

On July 30, 2017, a beloved angel named Alice Myrtle Florence passed quietly from this life to the next. She was a bright light of love that began shining 60 years ago. Alice was born to the home of Jerry and Alice Florence in Ritzville, Wash. Little Alice was born with mental and physical challenges. The doctor told the parents she would never learn to talk or walk and recommended an institution.

Alice’s parents chose to take her home where the little angel began to defy all odds. She learned not only to talk and walk, but to sing and dance. When Alice was 8 the family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, where she attended the Opportunity School. There Alice learned to read and write and participated in Special Olympics. She loved all kinds of sports especially bowling.

After Opportunity School, Alice became a member of the People’s First organization. She served as president from 2002-2005. As an advocate Alice spoke to the Idaho State Legislature regularly about the rights of special needs individuals. Alice brought love and happiness wherever she went with her bright eyes and happy smile. She was a true example of Christlike love.

Alice loved her church and enjoyed going to the temple. She loved singing in the choir and teaching in primary. Her heart was warm and full of love. Her true mission here on Earth was to share that love.

After her mother passed, Alice moved to Virginia to live with her sister, Darlene Kauo and brother-in-law Mansfield Kauo. She is survived by Mansfield and Darlene Kauo; sister Barbara Bracket; brother Chuck Florence and his wife Marie; along with many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and great-grand nephews.

Alice will be buried in Kellogg next to her mother.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017, at the Pinehurst LDS chapel in Pinehurst, Idaho. Interment will be at the Kellogg Cemetery.