Alice Mae "Ma" Rounds

August 9, 1935 – October 20, 2026

Alice Mae Rounds, affectionately known as "Ma," passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on August 9, 1935, in Denver, Colorado, to Walter and Alice Sterkel, Alice Mae was known for her independent spirit, determination, and a personality all her own. She had a strength about her that carried her through life's challenges and stayed with her until the very end.

A lifelong North Denver resident, Alice Mae grew up near 37th and Alcott before moving just six blocks north in 1972. That house near 43rd and Alcott would become home to Alice Mae and her daughter Pamela for the next 54 years. Her roots in the neighborhood ran deep, and it was a place she always called home.

Alice Mae began working at Daniel & Fisher at just 15 years old before moving on to Denver Dry Goods, where she spent 30 years. She also held positions at KG Retail and Walker and Associates, working in accounting and payroll. Alice Mae spent many years working weekends in the cafeteria at Regis University, where she didn't officially retire until she was in her late 80s. It was there that she formed lasting friendships with generations of students. Many stayed in touch long after graduation, sharing news of their careers and growing families. What began as familiar faces in the cafeteria became friendships that lasted for decades.

During the 1990s, Alice Mae could also be found running the concession stand for Westminster Little League, serving up Frito Pies, Big Hunk candy bars, and plenty of treats to hungry baseball players and their families.

After years of riding the bus downtown to work, Alice Mae finally learned to drive, thanks to the patience of her brother-in-law, Raymond, who taught her behind the wheel of Aaron's 1976 El Camino. It was one more example of Alice Mae doing things in her own time and in her own way.

Alice Mae enjoyed her dinner outings and always liked to look her best. Saturdays meant getting her hair done, and she was rarely without her nails polished and her lipstick on. She also enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting on her front porch, watching the neighbors and the world go by.

A longtime Denver Broncos fan, Alice Mae was a loyal supporter of the team, even in a household full of Raiders fans. She was never shy about offering her opinions from the comfort of her armchair, especially when it came to football. She also enjoyed cheering on the Colorado Avalanche. Just weeks before her passing, Pamela shared a photo of Alice Mae decked out in her Avs hat, shirt, and blanket, capturing the hearts of fellow Colorado fans who cheered on her team spirit.

Alice Mae had a special way of remembering the people in her life through greeting cards. Birthdays, holidays, and special occasions were never forgotten. Even when she could no longer get out and about, she made sure Pamela picked up cards so she could continue sending them to family and friends. It was a simple but meaningful tradition that she held onto.

Her family will also remember her wonderful lasagna and holiday fudge, both favorites that everyone looked forward to. And, of course, there were her familiar expressions, especially one that those who knew her can probably still hear her saying: "Other than that, I don't know a darn thing!"

More than anything, Alice Mae wanted to spend her final days at home. Thanks to the unwavering love and devotion of her daughter, Pamela "Pebbles" Sterkel, that wish was fulfilled. Pamela cared for her mother day and night throughout her final months, ensuring Alice Mae could remain where she wanted to be, receiving the love and care she deserved.

Also keeping a watchful eye was Alice Mae's beloved fur-grandbaby, Mortisha "Mort," who knew that Sundays meant one very important thing: bacon from Ma. Even in Alice Mae's final days, Mort continued bringing her favorite toys to Grandma, hoping she would play, not quite understanding why she no longer could. The visiting hospice nurses weren't left out either, as Mort made sure to share her plastic amputated foot toy, much to their amusement.

Alice Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Alice Sterkel; her sister, Patricia "Pat" Schoeninger; and her son, Aaron, who tragically lost his life in a mountain climbing accident in 1980. The loss of Aaron was something Alice Mae carried with her for the rest of her life. Though she eventually found her way forward, she never stopped missing him. After so many years of missing him, there is comfort in knowing that Alice Mae and Aaron are finally together again.

Alice Mae is survived by her loving daughter, Pamela "Pebbles" Sterkel, and Molly Urbina, Pamela's lifelong best friend and the daughter Alice Mae welcomed into her heart and family many years ago. Molly and Pamela grew up together as sisters, sharing family dinners, holidays, life's milestones, and everything in between. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon Whitman; her nieces, Jennifer Houpt (Michael) and Marci Whitman; her great-nephew, Brad Houpt; and her faithful fur-grandbaby, Mort.

Her family knows one thing for sure: They're going to miss Alice, and that's for darn sure!