Lydia Alles

Lydia (Dumler) Alles, 98, of Greeley, peacefully left this earthly life Thursday, May 18, 2017, while in Hospice at NCMC. Lydia suffered a major stroke and heart attack Saturday May 13 , 2017, just two days after she said goodbye to Ray, her husband of 76 years. She will spend eternity with her Lord Jesus Christ.

Lydia was born in Greeley, November 16, 1918, the tenth of thirteen children born to Phillip Henry and Eva (Dumler) Dumler. Four siblings died in infancy prior to Lydia’s birth. She was also preceded in death by sister, Mollie (George) Bernhardt and brothers Sammy (age 4yr), Gus (Ruth), Bill (Frieda), Hank (Avis), Paul (Fran), Fred (Norma) and Ben (Myra).

Lydia attended Greeley schools, leaving ninth grade after just three days when her mother became ill and needed help to care for three boys still at home. While helping at home, Lydia learned the art of cooking and baking which she would continue to enjoy until the last few months of her life. German kraut burgers were a favorite as well as her noodles, butter balls and kuchen, jam, angel food cakes and canned pickles.

Lydia married Raymond Alles April 16, 1941 at St. Paul’s Congregational Church. They celebrated 76 years of married life on Easter last month. To the marriage was born three sons, William, Phillip and Steven. Lydia was a loving wife, honoring and respecting her husband. She raised a large garden and spent many days canning and freezing in the fall to provide for her family during the winter months. She loved her sons and made sure they knew it. She was honored as Mother of the Year at St. Paul’s Congregational Church.

When her sons were all in school, Lydia began helping other families with household chores, caring for their children at times and basically being a domestic assistant. 44 years later, after being seriously injured in an auto accident, Lydia ‘retired’ from this outside job. But the impact she had in the lives of those families continues to this day.

Lydia accepted Christ as her Saviour at the age of 14. Reading and studying the Bible was a daily occurrence from then on. She read the Bible through twice a year for nearly 50 years. She taught Sunday School before her marriage but took time off when she had her family, going back to teaching when Steve started Sunday School himself. She and Ray enjoyed hosting missionaries in their home, including Child Evangelism 5 Day Clubs for many years. Lydia also sang in the choir at St. Paul’s, cherishing the words and messages of the hymn writers.

Lydia is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law William and Beverly, Phillip and Esther of Greeley, and Steven and Burdetta of Wisconsin; grandchildren, Alees Alles, Ryan (Laurie) Alles, Michele Fisher, Andrew (Sara) Alles, (Lisa) Alles, Amy Alles and Dwayne (Maria) Butler; grandson, Michael Alles, is waiting in heaven; thirteen great grands; two great-great grands; brother-in-law Alan McWilliams; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family also survive.

A visitation will be held from 5-7:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Allnutt Macy Chapel. Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. at Sunset Memorial Gardens with services to follow, Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Congregational Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Congregational Church Missions in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 702 13th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Friends and family may visit www.allnutt.com to leave condolences for the family.