Alice Joan Carpenter

Alice Joan Sanders Carpenter died on July 28, 2014, at the age of 82. She was most recently a resident of Mesa, Ariz., and was a long-time resident of Springville, Utah. She died in Mesa from complications related to her age.

Alice was born July 13, 1932, in Globe, Ariz., the only daughter of Frank Robert Sanders and Beatrice Lewis Sanders. She spent her early childhood in Globe, where she particularly enjoyed riding her horses. As a girl she developed a love of animals that continued throughout her life. In addition to her brother, Frank Robert Sanders Jr., she spent much of her time in Globe with her cousin, C.D. “Bill” Tanner. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Grants Pass, Ore., where she graduated from high school and went on to attend Oregon State University in Corvallis, receiving a degree in Animal Husbandry. She was married to Harry Alan Carpenter on Sept. 17, 1952, in Rogue River, Ore., and had five children before divorcing in 1966.

She later earned a teaching certificate and began teaching Fifth Grade at Lucerne Valley Elementary School in Lucerne Valley, Calif. In 1969, she moved to Springville with her family and her parents. She taught Seventh Grade reading and English for 26 years at Springville Middle School. In 1994, she retired from teaching and moved back to her home state of Arizona, residing in Mesa.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alice served in a variety of callings, but her favorite was always that of a Visiting Teacher. She also served for many years in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, both in Utah and in Arizona. She was a dedicated daughter, mother and grandmother, caring for both her children and her mother for many years and regularly visiting her grandchildren until illness and age prevented her from traveling. She was also known for caring for her neighbors and friends, always being ready with a listening ear and loving heart.

Alice is survived by her brother, Frank Robert Sanders Jr., of Sutton’s Bay, Mich. Also surviving are her five children: Donna Rae Carpenter Stephenson, Mesa; Linda Kay Carpenter (Tom) Boatman, Gilbert, Ariz.; Michael Alan Carpenter, Mountain View, Calif.; Mark James (Cindy) Carpenter, Sandy, Utah; and Frank Alvin Carpenter, Eagle Mountain, Utah; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, with one more to be born soon.

A viewing will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 1315 S. 24th Street in Mesa, Ariz., on Aug. 8 from 6-8 p.m. with a memorial service at the same location on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. There will be a private burial in the Mesa City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Alice would be honored by donations to the Perpetual Education or General Missionary funds of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Arrangements entrusted to A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuary 710 West Bethany Home Road Phoenix, AZ 85013.