Alice E. Denley

Alice was survived by her sister Cleaette Sandmeyer, brother Paul Huddlestun, sister in law Lynn Klotz, and the beloved mother of four daughters: Beth (Jim) Specht, Debbie (Dave) Meyer, Melanie (Corky) Pilat and Laura (Stan) Denley. Her legacy lives on through her nine grandchildren: Alicia Meyer, Max Meyer, Kelsey (Danny) Painter, Jessica (Brendan) Bradshaw, Elaina Spencer, Jake Spencer, Quinton (Stephanie) Pilat, Andrew Pilat and Jack Pilat whom she adored and cherished. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Ron of 60 years, her parents Aleta and Cleal Huddlestun, and her sister Dolores Riddick.

Alice was a gentle soul, full of quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering grace. She lived her life with kindness at its core—offering a listening ear, warm hands, and an open heart to everyone who crossed her path. Her love was never loud, but it was constant, steady, and deeply felt.

Born on December 26, 1940 in Chicago, IL to Aleta and Cleal Huddlestun, Alice brought light into the world from the very beginning. A lifelong lover of books, gardening and canning. She found beauty in everyday moments. She lived a life rooted in compassion and service. She attended nursing school at Illinois Masonic Hospital, where her caring nature found its foundation in healing and helping others. Though she chose a different path professionally, that same nurturing spirit followed her wherever she went. While working at Teletype in Skokie, Illinois, Alice met the love of her life, Ron. Their bond was built on friendship, laughter, and unwavering support—a partnership that endured and thrived through the decades. From 1978 until her retirement in 1998, Alice served the Woodstock community as a school bus driver for District 200. She loved her job, not just for the work but for the deep friendships she formed and the students whose lives she gently touched along the way. Her presence brought steadiness and comfort, and her cheerful wave became a familiar and welcome sight to many.

Above all, Alice was devoted to her family. She was a loving mother, a devoted partner, a cherished sister, doting grandmother, and a loyal friend. She taught us what it means to care deeply and to love without conditions. Her legacy is woven into the lives of those she held close—and her spirit will live on in the kindness we extend to others, just as she always did.

We will miss her quiet wisdom, her warm smile, and the peace that seemed to follow her wherever she went. Though our hearts ache, we are so grateful for the time we had, the memories we shared, and the love that will never fade.

The visitation and service will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Lord and Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church at 9300 Ridgefield Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012. The visitation will be from 10am to Noon with a service at Noon. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Alice's honor to the Parkinson's Foundation. Donations may be made at www.parkinson.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.