Alice Hannah Ware-Carpenter, 86, of Libby, “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 the 25th of February, 1928, in Brusett, Mont., 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 with the Class of 1946.

She later married Clyde LeRoy Carpenter on the 23rd of December, 1946, in Columbus. They spent several years following the oil rigs in Wyoming, Oklahoma and Montana before moving to Libby in early 1954. Alice had 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 Oklahoma, Cathy Ness of Libby, Bobbie Ferguson of Libby, Deanna Greenough of Oregon, Delbert Carpenter (Janet) of Indiana, Connie (Paul) Tisher of Libby, Clyde Lyle of Libby, and Alice Anna (John) Thomas of Arizona.

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 and Megan Carpenter, Taylor Carpenter, Gary, Mike, Dereck and Ryan Carpenter, Kyle Dexter, Logan Hommel, Brett and Cody Glona, and many other great-grandchildren — all who 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, a past officer in the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Daughters of the Nile for many years. She was also a published poet.

Babies were Alice's passion, whether human or animal, until the end. She spent many hours pursuing hobbies. Those included picking huckleberries, hunting, gardening, needlework, horseback riding, billiards, dancing, photography, fishing and many other outdoor activities. Visits by her children were always a cause for celebration where “apply” pie, fried chicken and monster cinnamon rolls ruled.

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

“We will always love and miss you and your laughter, but our memories of the “Jell-O Shot” queen will live on forever. Love you, Momma.”