Alice Elaine Hartzell

Alice Elaine Shipley Hartzell was born on Sunday, October 4, 1936, the third daughter of Francis Marion and Vida May (Haskins) Shipley. Alice’s dad was a Free Methodist pastor who served multiple churches during her early life. She remembers fondly the home her mother, Vida created wherever they lived. The family lived in Bethel, Tulsa and Enid, OK. Alice was graduated from Enid High School in May of 1954, planning to attend Central (Christian) College (of Kansas). Having caught Leon Hartzell at a Sadie Hawkins race at Family camp the summer before college, Alice and Leon were a recognized “item” during their college days.

Leon and Alice married on Saturday, September 29 at the 1st Free Methodist church in Oklahoma City, OK. Her brother Vern escorted her up the aisle and her father, Francis officiated the wedding. Alice’s dress was adapted and worn by several Shipley brides.

Alice and Leon and their son, Doug moved into 222 E. Kittyhawk Dr. in Midwest City, OK on the day their daughter, Nancy was born. They lived there together for 49 years. Alice bore Neal & Stephen, making the family six in all.

We were all musical and often sang together in our home. Alice and Leon performed duets at weddings, funerals and birthday parties. Alice also decorated cakes for special events.

Alice and Leon were excellent, faithful lay servants of Jesus in Free Methodist Churches in Prairie Queen, Midwest City and Guthrie, OK. They served as delegates, youth leaders, Sunday School teachers, choir members and directors and Women’s ministry leaders.

Alice lost her best friend and husband, Leon in 2010 after caring for him for over five years as he struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease. Alice was a faithful member of the Free Methodist Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Lawrence County, IL Red Hat Society and several quilting groups.

Alice Elaine Shipley Hartzell was graduated to the presence of Jesus at 10:59 a.m. on Friday, March 2, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital, surrounded by her singing and praying children and grandchildren. We are grateful to all those who prayed and supported us in these difficult days. Well done!

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Vida, her sisters Bonnie & Betty, her brother, Gene and her husband, Leon.

Alice is survived by her sister, Reta and brother, Vern, her four children, Douglas (Karen), Nancy (Robert) Sherman of Plymouth, WS, Neal (Lynn) of Albion, IL and Steve (Jeri) of Houston, TX, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and one more on the way.

Alice’s funeral service will be Thursday, March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Midwest City Free Methodist Church, 6500 E. Reno in Midwest City, OK.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 7 in the evening at the Bill Eisenhour funeral home on 23rd St. in Midwest City, OK. You can see her obituary soon on the Eisenhour Funeral home page and internment at the Arlington Memory Gardens 3400 North Midwest Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK.