Alice Trail

Alice Jane Trail passed away with grace at the age of 94 in Glenns Ferry on Feb. 20, 2013.

On Monday, Feb. 25, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, a viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. Burial will be held at 3 p.m. at Glenn Rest Cemetery in Glenns Ferry that same day. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Alice was born at home in Crystal, Idaho on Feb. 13, 1919, to Charles Wesley and Alta Jane Jimerson. Alice was raised on an orchard and cattle ranch between Payette and Weiser. She attended Crystal Grade School and graduated from Payette High School in 1937.

Alice met Lee Trail when he came to work for her parents in 1935. They were married in 1937 and moved to Pasadena Valley, where Lee had started farming. Their first home in Pasadena Valley had no electricity, running water or indoor plumbing. Alice, a young woman of 18, learned how to cook on a wood stove.

Between 1938 and 1941, Alice and Lee welcomed three daughters, Barbara, Margaret and Marie, to the family.

A new house was constructed in 1948. Having a modern home that had no drafts, warm floors and indoor plumbing was a much anticipated change for Alice and the girls.

Between 1948 and 1956, three more children, Judy, Rocky and Joan, were born to complete the family. Alice lived in that home for 60 years until 2008.

Alice was always supportive of her children's activities. She was a room mother for more than 30 years for her children and grandchildren. In addition she was a Sunday school teacher and Girl Scout leader. Alice was Guardian of Job's Daughters several times while her daughters and granddaughters were attending.

Alice was a 4-H leader for more than 40 years. Starting first as a leader for her children then continuing for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the 4-H Leaders Council and Superintendent for the Open Field Crop and Vegetable Department for many years. She received the Idaho State Leaders 4-H Distinguished Service Award, Elmore County 4-H Meritorious Award, and was inducted into the Idaho 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002.

Alice was a member of the Glenns Ferry First United Methodist Church for 56 years and president of the women's group. She was a 50-plus year member of Victory #60 Order of Eastern Star and celebrated 50 years in P.E.O. in 2011.

Alice and Lee square danced in the '50s.

Alice made her own dresses, which she later wore in parades and Three Island Crossing events.

Alice and Lee were inducted into the Idaho Livestock Hall of fame in 1982.

Alice was Grand Marshall of the Three Island Crossing Parade in 1998, sporting her square dance dress and vintage high top button shoes.

She was Grand Marshall for the County Fair and Rodeo parade in 2000.

In 2002 she was selected as an Honoree of the Elmore County Historical Museum's Women in Service to the Community and Country.

Other honors Alice received were Elmore County Mother of the Year 1971--1972 and Elmore County Hall of Fame for Distinguished Woman.

Alice loved to garden and always entered vegetables and flowers at the Elmore County Fair, winning many awards. As her children started leaving home, she expanded her garden and flower beds, planting red cannas along the barn and driveway. Soon there were rose bushes growing alongside the road with climbing roses growing on the nearby power poles. Her favorite rose was red, but she loved all types of flowering plants. Before we knew it, Alice had Irises planted in the corner of the field with more flowers growing along the fence above her vegetable garden. She felt it was easier to grow flowers than fight weeds. Flowers filled her time and gladdened her heart. She loved spending time outdoors tending her yard and garden.

Her other love was playing cards. At every family event, there was the sound of cards being shuffled with lots of laughter around the table. All the children were taught to play cards at an early age, sitting on her lap. As everyone grew older, Pinochle became the game of choice.

Alice had a strong love of family and particularly enjoyed little children. Her eyes would light up as she talked to them.

Alice is survived by her six children: Barbara (Max) Clark of Boise; Margaret Reynolds of Glenns Ferry; Marie (Ed) Simonson of Spokane, Wash.; Judy (Bob) Battles of Portland, Ore.; Rocky (Terrie) Trail of King Hill, Idaho; Joan (Tom) Lester of DeRidder, La.; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by: her husband, Lee, who passed away in 1994 after 57 years of marriage; two sisters, Rose (William) Trail and Mary (John) Norman; one baby grandson and one baby great-granddaughter.

The family would like to thank Poplar Grove and Horizon Hospice for the compassionate care that Alice received. In the four years that she lived in Poplar Grove, the staff became like an extended family.

In the 76 years Alice lived in the Glenns Ferry community her generosity of time and caring has touched many hearts. Alice was the cornerstone of the Trail family. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed. But we know she can now be found rejoicing in heaven with our Lord.

Contributions in Alice's name can be sent to: Glenns Ferry First United Methodist Church, PO Box 276, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623 or Three Island Seniors, 492 E. Cleveland Ave., Glenns Ferry, ID 83623