Alice was born to a pioneer family who arrived in the Montrose, Colorado area in the 1870’s. Her parents were George Oscar Sanburg and Maude Mae Leonard Sanburg. She had two sisters Evelyn Lane, Mardell Sanders and one brother Russell Sanburg.
As a child she attended school in Montrose except the time her father worked in Denver at the Capitol Building as Sargent of Arms. At that time the family stayed in a tiny apartment in Denver and attended school in Denver.
She attended Montrose High School, playing the clarinet in the band, and enjoyed traveling by train to many other states for band competitions.
She met and married Willard Hays from Delta. They moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado to attend CSU, where Alice completed 2 years of higher education. Due to the war they had to return to Delta to help on the family farm. During this time they also moved to the Dove Creek, Colorado area where Willard worked on Uranium with his Uncle Fendall while Alice was teaching school to 4th and 5th grade students. Later they settled in Arvada and Lakewood where they had two daughters Patricia and Nancy.
Alice loved her family, cooking amazing meals, canning, crocheting, knitting, and sewing amazing items. She and Willard always loved growing vegetables in their garden and having the most beautiful roses.
She was in 4-H and was a 4-H leader. She was in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (a women’s service organization) for many years while in the Denver area and served as President. She loved helping others.
Alice was a special and strong lady. Everyone that met her loved her. Alice had an infectious smile that always made you happy whenever you saw her.
Since Willards passing in 2010, she was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then the Houston, Texas area close to Nancy and Tim. She loved living in independent living and assisted living where she made lots of friends playing bingo and having fun.
Alice was proceeded in death by her husband of 67 years Willard and her sisters and brother.
She is survived by her daughters Patricia Ayres and Nancy (Tim) Young. Three grandchildren R.J. Ayres (Michelle) Chris Ayres (Amy) and Brittany Freeman (Jonathan). And four great grandchildren Amber, Ayden, Korbyn, and Maggie (Chris).
We are broken hearted to say good-bye. She will be missed.
