Obituaries

Alice Elaine Crosby, 80, of Midland, died peacefully Tuesday evening, July 2, 2019 at Cascades Senior Living. She was born January 30, 1939 in Midland, daughter of the late Donald and Glenna (Lake) Chapin. She was outgoing and loved to talk. She often got in trouble at school for talking when the teachers thought she should be listening. As a child, she was incredibly smart and eager to assist other students who needed help or encouragement. It was no surprise to those who knew her that she would turn this natural inclination into a vocation. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, she began her career in the Midland Public Schools and then moved to Bullock Creek Schools where she remained until retirement. Alice taught elementary school, mostly third grade, for almost 40 years. She was a general education teacher, but worked magic with students who struggled or had developmental disabilities. An early adopter of computers, Alice helped to establish the computer lab at Bullock Creek Elementary.

Alice enjoyed music. She sang in the choir and played the piano in her younger years. Her faith was very important to her. She attended the RLDS Church (now Community of Christ) while growing up and more recently was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She loved the Lord and was eager to share her faith with others through Bible study groups and by how she lived her life.

Her greatest joy was family. Alice loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was an involved parent/grandparent. She doted on everyone and made sure all knew that they were loved.

Even with multiple health challenges, her positive attitude never wavered. We will forever miss her hugs and warm, ever-present smile.

Alice is survived by her husband Howard “Gene” Crosby; daughters Dawn Lampman (Joy Birmingham), Deborah Crosby, Diana (Rickey) Wilson, Kathy Slater, and Selina Tisdale; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; sister Donna Bergholz; and childhood friend Donna McKeage. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons Mark Lampman and David Crosby, grandson Trevor DuLude, son-in-law Brian Slater, and brother David Chapin.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cascades and Mid-Michigan Hospice for the loving care they provided to Alice. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to purchase backpacks with school supplies or make a donation in the name of the Crosby Family, indicating Alice’s Backpack Project. The Donations will be used to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in the Bullock Creek School District as they return to school in the fall. Backpacks can be dropped off at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1550 S. Poseyville Road.

The memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street with Pastor Dennis Kreil officiating. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-7 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

To plant a tree in memory of Alice Elaine Crosby, please visit our Tribute Store.

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