She was born on February 22, 1931, in Ionia, Michigan, to her parents, John and Edith Wilcox. Alice grew up on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work and compassion at an early age, including caring for her mother during illness—an experience that would shape her lifelong role as a devoted caregiver.
Alice went on to build a long and meaningful career as a nurse aide, working at St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, as well as in a nursing home. She lived in California from 1969 until 1988, when she returned to Michigan. Later, she continued her passion for helping others as a tour hostess at American House Sterling Meadows in Sterling Heights, where she had also been residing recently.
She was married to her beloved husband, Donald Crater Sr., and cared for him with deep devotion during his final illness before his passing in the 1990s. Alice’s strength, resilience, and nurturing spirit defined her life—both professionally and within her family.
Alice cherished time spent with loved ones. Some of her most treasured memories included camping and fishing trips with her husband, stargazing under the vast skies of New Mexico, and visiting the Burbank studios to see Johnny Carson. She was known for her wonderful cooking, especially her Thanksgiving meals that brought the whole family together.
She also enjoyed time at her log cabin in Harrison and looked forward to meeting her daughter in Birch Run for lunches and shopping trips. Gifted with a beautiful voice, Alice loved to sing karaoke and had a deep appreciation for live music. She kept busy with hobbies such as crocheting, knitting, and rug hooking—earning her nickname “the happy hooker.”
While raising her family, Alice was a member of St. Casimir Church in Lansing, having converted to Catholicism upon her marriage. Her faith remained an important part of her life.
Alice will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, and the countless ways she cared for others.
Alice is survived by her daughter, Cheri (John) Schmidt; her stepson, Don (Joan DeLeau) Crater Jr.; her grandchildren, Grant (Jamie) Crater and their children, Hannah, Haley, Nevaeh, and Travis, and DJ Crater and his child, Marik; her sister-in-law, Beverly Wilcox; and her niece and nephews, Jaynie (Robert) Russell, John (Susan) Wilcox, and Jimmy Wilcox. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Pat Crater; and her son Perry’s partner, Detrik.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Crater Sr.; her son, Perry Crater; and her twelve siblings.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, with the funeral commencing at 12:00 PM, on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038.
