Alice B. Lyster
DeForest – Alice B. Lyster, age 97, the former Alice Belva Fry, passed away Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Amelia Manor Nursing Home in Lafayette.
Ms. Lyster was born on November 15, 1915 in Sextonville, WI to David and Lydia Carter Fry. Alice grew up in the small town of Sextonville, where her parents ran a small hotel. As a young girl, Alice helped her parents until she left home. One of her most memorable experiences during this time was a trip to Cuba with one of her girlfriends. She also worked at the Capitol Hotel on the Square and at the Wisconsin Dells.
She met Elmer during this time. They were married on November 15, 1941. Less than a month later while stationed in Bangor, Maine, war was declared. During this time Alice came back to Madison and worked at Prange’s Department Store until Elmer’s return after the war. They moved to Selma, Alabama and on Christmas Eve, they welcomed their twin baby girls, Judith and Joan. In the 50’s Elmer was sent to Korea and Alice returned to Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Being in the Air Force, they moved frequently. Their third daughter, Carol, was born in Riverside, CA. Their last move was to Big Spring, TX, where Elmer retired. They lived there until Elmer’s death on September 4, 1970.
Soon after his death, Alice moved back to Madison, WI where she joined the Lake Edge Lutheran Church and has been a member since 1971. She enjoyed her church activities, gardening, and visiting with her friends and family that lived in the area. In 2006, Alice decided on another move to be near her daughter, Carol, who lived near Lafayette, LA. She enjoyed the warm weather and made many friends. Alice loved life, God and her family. She always had a positive outlook and made friends wherever she lived. Alice loved Madison, WI and the people of Louisiana loved their “Ms. Alice”. One of the most memorable things about Alice is her beautiful smile.
Survivors include three daughters, Joan Selby of Ocean City, NJ, Judith Pursell and husband, Paul, of Souderton, PA and Carol Sue Derouen and husband, Ronald, of Carencro; nine grandchildren, Christina Selby, Rebecca Selby, Robert Berry and wife, Cheryl, David Berry and wife, Theresa, Mark Berry and wife, Flurry, Cindy Stuhlman and husband, Chris, Juliana Derouen Francois and husband, Aaron, Lindsey Derouen Spence and husband, Elvis, and Garrett Derouen and wife, Tonya; eight great grandchildren, Aubrey and Alaina Francois, Jayden Spence, Erin and David Berry, Steven Berry, Kristen Berry Maciejewski and husband, Johnie, Heather Heacock, Zander Derouen (due March 13); and one great great grandchild, Bobbi Maciejewski.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Grant Fry and Clifford Fry; two sisters, Grace Williams and Ella Reinke; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main Street, DeForest, with Pastor Jerry A. Olson officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2013 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, and 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at Norway Grove Church Cemetery, DeForest.
Memorial contributions in the name of Alice B. Lyster may be made to any of the following organizations: Lake Edge Lutheran Church, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716, (608) 222-7339; Christ Lutheran Church, 220 S. Main St., DeForest WI 53532, 608-846-4718; and St. Joseph Hospice, 1003 Hugh Wallis Rd. South, Lafayette, LA 70508, (337) 233-1131.
Ms. Alice’s family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation for the tender loving care given by the staff at Amelia Manor Nursing Home in these last few weeks and to the staff of St. Joseph Hospice of Lafayette.
To view and sign this guestbook please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
