Aileene Dahlke Foster

Aileene Dahlke Foster, born on February 26, 1927 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., passed away peacefully on March 30, 2016, at her home in Coaling. Services will be Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1401 University Blvd. E, Tuscaloosa, AL with Rev. Hank Hollar officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon and service at 12:00 noon.She was preceded in death by her husbands, John W. Dahlke and John W. Foster; parents, James Albert and Maggie Kirkland.She is survived by her daughters, Sondra Sharp and Karen Dahlke; sons, Tim Foster (Mandy), Andy Foster (Vanessa), Steve Foster (Sheila) and John Foster, Jr. (Juanita); grandchildren, Keith Sharp (Paige), Ashley Lowery (Steve), Tonya Hyche (Steve), Will Quarles (Noelle) along with eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Martha Ann Wyatt.Aileene grew up in Tuscaloosa, attended Holt High School class of 1945 and was a cheerleader. She had humble beginnings with daily chores to be completed before and after school.She married John W. Dahlke and was supportive to him in introducing Volkswagon to Tuscaloosa, Dahlke Volkswagon. Upon retirement, Aileene and John bought a small farm in Coaling and enjoyed the country life. A few years later, they introduced Toyota to Tuscaloosa, Dahlke Toyota.After John Dahlke's death in 1972, she married John Foster in 1975. Aileene has always been interested in public affairs. In 1980, she stood by her loving husband, John Foster, as he was elected County Commissioner of District II. Aileene vigorously helped with his campaign and proudly supported John with his duties as he served Tuscaloosa County. As always, Aileene made a point to vote in this year's primaries despite her failing health.Aileene served as a faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for more than 60 years, dedicated to all endeavors of the church. She had a vision of Holy Cross having a Family Life Center and pressed forward to its fulfillment. Aileene was a well spring of energy an vivacity. She was a true lady of grace, dignity, integrity and a woman with a heart full of compassion and possessed great vision for community service.Aileene was a volunteer Girl Scout leader and PTA member. Her community service reached local, state and national levels of civic organizations. She served the Tuscaloosa CattleWomen's Association as president seven times and was the state of Alabama CattleWomen's Presidentin 1986 -1987 and was inducted into the Alabama CattleWomen's Hall of Fame in 1992. She received back to back awards for the American National CattleWoman of the Year and the Alabama CattleWoman of the Year. Aileene's interest in Federated Club work began in 1966, when she became a member of the Candor Study Club. She was instrumental in organizing the Avant Garde Study Club, serving in all leadership capacities. Aileene was a dedicated member of the Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs (AFWC) where she diligently served in many leadership positions including state president. She had a passion for all programs of AFWC, AFWC headquarters and its mission, Unity in Diversity. Aileene was an advocate in the maintaining of the headquarters where she spent countless hours in its renovations. She had a fondness and a love for the AFWC members that became to be close, bonded friendships.In addition to Cattlewomen and AFWC, she was active in Soroptimist, Encore and many ""bridge"" clubs. She served as a member and on the board of directors including but not limited to the Tombigbee Girl Scout Council, West Alabama Rehabilitation Center, UA Gorgas home and Caring Days. She spent a life time loving and serving God and through His love she lived a life of giving. Pall bearers will be Hollis Duncan, Milton Denny, Tony Richter, Ed Allen, Tony Caldwell and Vern Grosse. Honorary pallbearers are members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, AFWC, GFWC, Frosted Flakes Club, Joy Luck Club, Soroptimist, Alabama Cattlewomen, Encore, all her bridge club friends, friends of the Coaling Community and Rev. Neal Hodo. Special thanks to Gloria, Donna and Wilma of Visiting Angels and Hospice of West Alabama for the wonderful care they gave to Aileene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to AFWC Headquarters, 2728 Niazuma Ave., Birmingham, AL 35205.