Alice Eileen Gouff

Alice Eileen (Righetti) Gouff was born January 16, 1939, to Alfred and Marie Righetti, the youngest of their five children. She was born at Atascadero Hospital shortly after her twin brother, Allen. Because of her small size at birth, it was some time before she was able to go home to the family ranch in Pozo, where she joined her siblings: Emma, Robert, Loretta, and Allen.

Alice spent her early years on the ranch and spoke often of her wonderful childhood, exploring the land with her brother and their dog, Trouble. Her musical gift was undeniable from the start; at just two years old, she reached up to the piano keys and began playing with both hands. Though it took time for her to grow large enough to reach the full keyboard, she spent the rest of her life entertaining others with her amazing ability to play anything she heard by ear.

She attended Santa Margarita School through 8th grade and graduated from Atascadero Union High School with the class of 1956. During her school years, she showed steers for 4-H, was active in Rainbow Girls, played snare drum in the Santa Margarita Marching Band, and sang in the school choir. She was deeply proud of her family heritage, notably serving as the Pozo attendant in the Pioneer Day Court.

During her sophomore year, she met Thomas Gouff. By her senior year, they were married. They soon moved to Arroyo Grande and welcomed the first of their three children, Craig Allen, followed by daughters Stacey Jeanine and Vaughn Marie. Alice spent 20 years in Arroyo Grande raising her family and working alongside Tom on several business ventures.

Life was full of adventure; Alice raced karts and even learned to fly airplanes. In 1967, the family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She felt that finding her Savior was the turning point in her life and gave her understanding and purpose. Her testimony of her Saviour and her Church never wavered. Alice found great purpose in her faith, serving gladly wherever needed, though she especially loved playing the organ and teaching children.

In 1976, Tom and Alice returned to the ranch in Pozo. She was overjoyed to be "home" where her journey began. In the late 80s and early 90s, she shared her talents as a keyboardist in a local band. She often said her happiest years were the decade in which she welcomed 13 grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent watching them grow.

Following a major stroke, Alice resided at Danish Care and then SLO Post Acute Care. Though it was the longest she had ever been away from the ranch, she quickly made friends with the staff and was grateful for their kindness. She was also blessed by the companionship of her roommate, Lucia Fagundes.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Marie Righetti; her siblings Emma Nevins, Robert Righetti, Loretta Martin, and Allen Righetti; her husband, Tom Gouff; and her son, Craig Gouff (Jody). She is survived by her daughters Stacey (Jeff) Phillips and Vaughn Marie (Glen) Tagliamonte; 13 grandchildren: Carolyn (Bill) Higuera, Virginia Gouff, Ramona Gouff, John Gouff, Laura Gouff, Justin (Tiffany) Phillips, Jared (Jamie) Phillips, Rebecca Phillips, Rachel (Tom) Ainscough, Ben (Rachel) Russell, Vanessa Russell, Courtnie (Tony) Blessing, and Sam Russell; 21 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her loyal canine companion, Lolita.

A service in her honor will be held on Friday, February 20th, at 4:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2600 Ramona Road, Atascadero. All are welcome.