Alice Geneva Clements

Alice Geneva (Bittner) Clements died July 9, 2015, in Gresham, Oregon, of congestive heart failure. She was born August 14, 1913, in Solon, Iowa, to Blanche (Valenta) and Frank Bittner. The third of four children, Alice was the only girl. Her brothers all preceded her in death.

Following graduation from the University of Iowa, Alice taught country schools in Solon and Swisher, Iowa. She also played piano at the Solon Methodist Church, where she met the student minister, Paul Clements, whom she married on Sept. 15, 1938.

After Rev. Clements’ graduation from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, Alice and Paul served Methodist churches in Janesville, Primghar, New Hampton, Monona, Luana, Volney, Kanawha, and Waterloo, Iowa.

Following Paul’s death in March 1985 and the birth of granddaughter Mary in April 1985, Alice moved to Portland, Oregon, to be near family. She was a long-time member of Rockwood United Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities in church offices and women’s groups, and was a member of the bell choir for more than 20 years. She was active in Eastmont Church Women United and local Eastern Star chapters.

Alice never learned to drive, so she walked everywhere, walking at least 1-2 miles most days until back problems prevented her from doing so in recent years. When asked what her secret to a long life was, she named four things: Exercise, eating healthfully, a loving family, and a strong faith.

For the last two years of her life, Alice was a resident of Good Samaritan Society Fairlawn Village in Gresham, where she received loving care. She was devastated when she was no longer able to read, as she had been a passionate reader all her life, usually reaching her goal of reading at least 60 books each year.

Alice is survived by daughter Margaret Rounds, of Waterloo, Iowa; son John Clements and wife Rogene of Hollister, Missouri; daughter Joyce Walsh and husband Steve of Gresham, Oregon; and grandchildren Aaron Rounds and wife Bonnie of Waterloo, and Mary Walsh of Portland.

Memorials in Alice’s memory may be sent to Rockwood United Methodist Church or My Sister’s House domestic violence shelter.