Alice M. Laver

Alice passed away peace­fully on September 2nd at the Hope West Care Center in Grand Junction, Colorado in the loving care of family and Hope West staff.

Alice was born in Spencer, Wisconsin, and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from North High School. Alice often spoke about her family’s struggles during the depression, yet they were happy with simple things like a big garden and were taught the love of God. She reminisced about losing her first love in World War II. She continued her education at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma where she met her future husband Raymond Laver who was studying to become a pastor. Raymond and Alice married on July 21, 1946, and moved to their first church in Afton, Oklahoma. During their marriage, they moved from the Midwest to the South and then chose to relocate to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1970. Raymond retired from First Christian Church in 1978. Alice took on various secretarial jobs. Raymond and Alice had three daughters: Kathy, Vicki, and Lisa.  Alice ran the youth groups in the church, was the secretary, and sang in the choir.

Alice never met a stranger. She was a striking and energetic woman who enjoyed dancing, roller skating, swimming, walking, and sewing. She always had a smile and an attitude of gratitude and kindness. Alice adored her friends from Crossroads Fitness and still met with them, when possible, for birthday celebrations. Alice was a devoted Alanon member for over thirty years. She made many true friends who were with her to the end. Alice found her new church home at Clifton Christian Church in 2016. Above all, Alice loved her family, and they loved and cared for her.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Laver, in 1988, her parents, William and Ethel Abel, her siblings, Bud Abel and Jean Whitmer, and her nephew, David Abel. She is survived by her loving family: daughters Kathy Santi (Ron), Vicki Laver, and Lisa Laver Curtis (Mike); grandkids Britin Lindberg and Byron Santi; great-grandkids Kellen Lindberg and Allie Ann Lindberg; and beloved Calico Cat, Poppy. Memorial contributions can be made to Hope West Care Center and Clifton Christian Church. A special thank you to Hope West Home Care and Care Center staff and Comfort Keepers.

What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.  

Services are pending and will be announced soon.