Born February 1, 1939 Alice was raised in Eden, MI as the youngest of five children. Growing up on her family farm, Alice learned resilience at an early age. She cherished memories spent riding her horse with her brother and being apart of the pep club in high school. Alice met her soulmate Douglas Crist in East Lansing, where they later married. They raised two children and had many fond memories going to their cottages in Harbor Springs, Punta Gorda, and Manistee, and traveling the world. She and Doug loved spending time with their six grandchildren and took the entire family on a vacation to Disney world before his passing in 2009. Alice had spent the last 14 years missing her late husband dearly, and it brings her family great peace in knowing they are once again reunited.
Alice was passionate about MSU football and basketball. She was very proud to have her daughter and granddaughters attend the university, and loved tailgating and watching games with them. Seldom did she miss a chance to cheer on her Spartans. Her love for dogs was also evident in the four cocker spaniels she adored over the years.
Alice was a woman of many talents, including being a skilled painter, tremendous cook and club champion golfer. She was a faithful friend and enjoyed time spent with her circle at the Lansing Country Club, and nights out with the “birthday group” and “high school group.” Alice delighted in being a devoted sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She loved having opportunities to laugh and revel in the company of her loved ones. Her house always ready to welcome others with a glass of wine and an Italian meal.
Alice will be remembered by her loved ones for her generosity, humor, wit, tenacity and kind spirit.
Alice is survived by her two children Michelle (Ed) Ellul and Bradford Crist; grandchildren Sommer (Tim) Stallman, Paxton Ellul, Grace Ellul, Jillian Ellul, William Crist and Sydney Crist; sister Ann Towns and brother David (Dee) Gilchrist; and many nieces and nephews.
Alice is preceded in death by her parents; husband Douglas Crist; sister Barbara Fontana and brother Daniel Gilchrist; brothers-in-law Joe Fontana and Richard Towns; and niece Diane.
A visitation for Alice will be held on Thursday June 22, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home 1730 E Grand River Ave East Lansing, MI 48823. A celebration of life will be held on Friday June 23, 2023 at The Peoples Church 200 W Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823. Interment to follow at Delta Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association 2111 University Park Dr, Okemos, MI 48864 or the Capital Area Humane Society 7095 West Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17