Alice R. Elsea Obituary (1922 - 2023)

My dear mother, Alice Roberta (Van Fossan) Elsea sadly passed away on November 2, 2023 at the age of 101 years at Randall Residence of Decatur, Decatur, IL. Services will be 11 AM, Monday, November 6, 2023 at the Bridge Church Fellowship, Argenta, IL with Chaplain Joe Bowman and Pastor Bob Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL. Visitation will be 10-11 AM, Monday at the Church. Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the Bridge Church Fellowship. Alice was born September 16, 1922 in Decatur, IL the daughter of Raymond and Pheobe (Ferris) Van Fossan. She married the love of her life, Ralph Elsea, Jr. November 10, 1940 in St. Charles, MO and their marriage lasted 71 blissful years. He passed away November 16, 2011. She leaves two children, Paula (John) Hill, Decatur, IL, and Ted Elsea, Oreana, IL; four grandchildren: Aaron Hill, Chad Elsea, Kelly (Craig) Brown, and Ryan (Allison)Elsea; five great-grandchildren: Jaice Hill, Kirstin Elsea, Jonas Elsea, and Lily Elsea; and sister, Betty Buck, San Diego, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Mildred Turner, Mary Driscoll, Velma Edwards, Grace Arnett; brother, Howard "Bud" Van Fossan; one grandson, Todd Hill; and one great-grandson, Trevor Elsea. Alice was a wonderful person who loved to cook and bake. Her home often housed out-of-town relatives, for hers was the gathering place. She enjoyed keeping a clean house with neatly tended vegetable and flower gardens. Her interests included Bunco, attending her grandsons' sports games, and watching her beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball games. She was a member of the Bridge Church Fellowship. Mom worked as a cook for 17 years at the Argenta Grade School where meals were served homemade with love. She and dad wintered in Florida in their RV for 20 years. The family would like to thank Lisa Manning and Randall's for their loving care and Elara Caring Hospice team. "Until we meet again, Mom."