Alice Wilmarth, 94, of Kadoka, S.D., died Jan. 18, 2014, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip. Alice Paxton Bean was born May 3, 1919, at Hartford, Ky., the daughter of Ira D. and Bernice (Miller) Bean.
As a young child, she moved with her parents to Louisville, Ky., where Alice grew up and received her education. After graduating from J.M. Atherton High School for Girls in 1937, where she was a member of National Honor Society, she attended DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. Alice was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and served as president for one year. As an English major, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1941.
Alice went to work for Nichols General Hospital in Louisville, which is where she met the love of her life, Earl Wilmarth. Alice and Earl were married on July 27, 1945, in Louisville. While in Louisville, they had two sons, Rick and Ken.
They moved to Kadoka in 1949, and entered the tourism business with Earl’s uncle, Elmer Hortman. It was here that they had their third child, Lib. They later purchased the H&H Motel and Restaurant, with Vernon and Hellen Uhlir, which they owned and operated until their retirement in 1991.
Alice was a member of the Presbyterian Church, where she was the organist, for many years. Alice was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she held many offices. Her various interests included needlepoint, crocheting, and reading. Alice enjoyed attending many of her grandchildrens’ sporting events, was a true fan of the University of Louisville Cardinals, and never missed watching the Kentucky Derby.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Wilmarth, on Nov. 18, 2008; a granddaughter, Terri Dawn, and her parents.
Survivors include two sons, Rick Wilmarth and his wife Paulette of Kadoka, and Ken Wilmarth, and his wife Cindy of Kadoka; one daughter, Lib Thomas and her husband Mike of Aiken, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Lori (Jeff) Konst, Tammy (Tim) Merchen, Cody Wilmarth, Michelle (Mike) Norato, Tricia (Kyle) Amiotte, Eric Wilmarth, and Kim (Matt) Smyth; 15 great-grandchildren, Ty Merchen, Jade Konst, Kayla Wilmarth, Kylee Wilmarth, Taylor Merchen, Aaron Amaker, Jaslyn Konst, Samantha Wilmarth, Bridger Amiotte, Cedar Amiotte, Luke Norato, Sophia Norato, Younger Amiotte, Wyatt Smyth, and Cooper Smyth; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established.
Her online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome.com.