Alice King

It is with great sorrow that we share Alice King, beloved by all, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 80 in her home in Anderson, Indiana surrounded by loved ones.

Loving wife, mother to 2 wonderful children, nana to 4 beautiful granddaughters, dedicated sister, aunt, chef, caregiver, greatest cheerleader, and best friend only a handful of the titles Alice M. King held over the past 80 years. 

She was born in Chicago, IL in March 1944. Her favorite memories from her childhood were helping her mother in the garden all summer, and helping can the vegetables once pulled from the garden. She loved to share stories of riding bikes with her sisters, going roller skating, riding on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle, looking after her sister’s when her parents went out and simply enjoying life.

Later her family moved to Brookfield, WI, where she graduated from Brookfield Central High School in 1962. Shortly after her family transferred to Terre Haute, Indiana. This is also where she met her husband of 54 years George King. He lived in student housing next door, and she quickly had a thing for that blond haired blue-eyed handsome boy next door. 

They remained in Terre Haute for several years after they married in 1964 while George finished his bachelor's degree until they moved to the Pendleton, IN area. This is what they would become home for the next 51 years. In 1969 they welcomed their first child Chris King and in 1973 were blessed with their beautiful daughter Jennifer King. This was such a wonderful time for Alice, as her greatest dream was to be a mom. She said she loved raising her children in Pendleton, there were so many festivals and opportunities to participate in various activities with her children. Recently, she was quoted as saying being their mom and being able to support them through their successes and failures was her greatest accomplishment in life. She loved watching her kids grow partake in all life had to offer. Her favorite memories of this time were attending their sporting events, performances, traveling, swimming in the family pool and enjoying a backyard cookout. 

After moving to Pendleton Alice took a job with South Madison Schools in the cafeteria, where she would work her way up to management. She retired in 2009 after serving in the cafeteria in one capacity or the other for 30 years. She looked back fondly on her time with the school cafeteria and the “girls” as she would refer to the staff. She often shared stories of her interactions with all the children who passed through the doors. She marveled at the comparison of the work they put into preparing lunches to what schools have now with prepackaged deliveries. 

Aside from being a mom and serving others, Alice loved being a grandmother. As her grandchildren have gotten older, she took much joy in seeing pictures posted and hearing stories of their adventures as young adults. She was so proud of the people they were becoming and families they were building. She enjoyed reading to her grandchildren over the years, preparing their favorite treats, taking them to see the latest moving and loving on them as much as possible. Over the past several years she has had the opportunity to be a great-nana and help take care of her great grandson. She recently stated seeing his smile and hearing his laughter was her favorite thing. 

In addition to her family were her friends, whom she cherished the relationships she had developed over the years. She enjoyed the regular luncheons, card club get togethers, and spending time with those who had played a role in her growth over the years. Even after retirement she made it a priority to keep in touch as much as possible.

Since her daughter’s passing, she has formed a bond with one of Jenny’s best friends Kathy Reese. She has become a surrogate daughter to her over the years. They often enjoyed getting together for the Sunday football game, watching the game show network or cooking channel. 

Alice was preceded in death by her mother Jeanne Tietz, father Frank Tietz, husband George King, and daughter Jennifer King. 

She would want to be remembered as always willing to lend a helping hand, prepare you a meal, give you a hug, or simply cheer you on. She lived a happy life filled with love and family. She wanted to provide a stable, safe, happy home her children and grandchildren could always return to if needed. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother, nana, great-nana, sister, aunt and friend. We will miss her everyday but know she was joyful to reunite with George and Jenny and will watch over us as we continue to do all she would want for us.

Alice was survived by her son Chris King (Marla), granddaughters Allison Welton (Owen), Olivia Hobbs (Donovan), Sophie King, Abbey Welton, sisters Kathy Shetterly (Steve), Pam Morgan (Mark), her great grandchildren and endless friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma foundation. 

Services will be held February 19, 2025, from 2 to 5 PM at Legacy Cremation and Funeral Services.