Alice K. (Gavin) Enderlin, 84, of Monmouth, IL entered eternal life at 7:22 am, Thursday, December 23, 2021 at home surrounded by her family. Alice was born September 12, 1937 in Monmouth, IL the daughter of George and Rose (Hennenfent) Gavin. She attended Immaculate Conception School, graduated in 1955 from St. Mary’s Academy in Nauvoo, IL and in 1959 from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She continued her education with graduate work in community health education at Western Illinois University, and earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Bradley University in Peoria, IL.
Alice married Robert Lawrence “Larry” Enderlin on November 26, 1960 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth and he survives. Alice worked in many capacities as a nurse, beginning as a staff nurse at Mercy Hospital in Davenport, IA. She served as the director of Nursing Service at Community Memorial Hospital in Monmouth. She became an instructor in practical nursing at Carl Sandburg College in 1970, where she also served as the coordinator of the Practical Nursing Program, chairperson of the Allied Health Division and coordinator of the Associate Degree and Practical Nursing Programs.
In 1993, Alice was appointed to serve on the Illinois committee on Nursing, the regulatory authority for all nursing licensing in the state. Alice served on the board until 1999. Alice’s involvement in professional organizations included serving as President of the Faculty Council at Carl Sandburg College, President of the Illinois Council of Practical Nursing Coordinators, the Board of the Illinois Nurses Association, and many professional organization memberships, including the Illinois Council of Practical Nursing Coordinators, the Illinois Council of Associate Degree Nursing Coordinators, the Illinois Nurses Association, the National and Illinois Education associations, and many professional committees, task forces, and planning groups.
A firm believer of in-home base facilities for the aging, Alice owned and operated The Welcome Inn in Monmouth for many years with her daughter, Jane Tucker, providing living accommodations and services for the frail elderly. In addition to her professional roles, Alice’s commitment to community services was both broad and deep. She served for many years on the Board of Directors and was Past-President of the Spoon River Community Mental Health Center, the Warren County United Way, Inc., and St. Mary’s Academy in Nauvoo, IL. She also served on the board of Directors of the Tri County Youth Council, the Warren County United Way Endowment Committee, the Immaculate Conception School “Sharing the Future” Campaign as well as Strategic Planning and Development Committees, and was a member of the Board of Directors and Vice-President of Bridgeway Management Systems, Inc.
After her retirement, Alice enjoyed volunteering part time as a school nurse at Immaculate Conception School, where she both cared for children and initiated innovative programs to keep students safe and well. Alice was the first recipient of the James J. Toal Achievement Award, presented to graduates of ICS who have provided significant contributions to the quality of life in their home and church communities. She was also the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award from St. Mary’s Academy in 1992, where the presenter, Sr. Phyllis McMurray, noted, “All are inspired by their association with her”. In 1989 she was named the Outstanding Practical Nurse Educator in Illinois by the Licensed Practical Nurse Association of Illinois. Carl Sandburg College presented her with the Burlington Northern Outstanding Faculty Award in 1993. She was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Societies at Bradley University. Sigma Theta Tau, the international Honor Society of Nursing, presented Alice with the first Reichelderfer Professional Nursing Award in 1999 for her work in nursing education and in support of professional standards. Alice enjoyed reading, camping and life at Lake Warren with Larry. She was exceptionally gracious. Alice laughed easily and often and made marvelous cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread, Christmas fudge and pies for her family. Whenever there was a big project to tackle, her first words where, “Let’s get organized!” One of Alice’s favorite quotes is from Sr. Rose, a Nauvoo Benedictine, who often said, “When you educate a girl, you educate a family.” Alice was devoted to both her immediate and large, extended family, and friends from all aspects of her life. Alice blessed this world and made a difference in the lives of many with her skills as a nurse, an academic leader, a community leader, and with her deep compassion and kindness for all people. Her family, friends, coworkers and students were fortunate to have known her love and support. She showed a genuine interest in the lives and challenges of each person she came into contact with.
Alice demonstrated and unfailing belief in the value of each person and their right to dignity and love. Her capacity to care for, support and teach seemed limitless. Every good bye to her family included the words, “love you more than you know.” Alice inspired all who knew her and she will be sorely missed.
Alice is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Lawrence “Larry” Enderlin of Monmouth, IL; their three beloved children, Kevin (Patricia) Enderlin of McKinney, TX, Mary Jane Tucker of Monmouth, and George (Lori) Enderlin of Smithfield, VA. She is also survived by eleven adored grandchildren: Rebecca (Joe) Lazaro, Gavin Enderlin, Logan (Talya) Tucker, Caitlin Tucker, Drew, Ethan (Kaelyn), Sydney, Hannah, Cameron, Grace and Addison Enderlin; 6 great grandchildren, Charlotte, Ella and Lawrence Lazaro, Anna, Noah and Bailey Enderlin; her brother-in-law, Fr. Ron Enderlin of Brownsville, TX. Alice is also survived by many devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Robert Gavin and Donald Gavin; her nephew, Stan Gavin and niece, Gloria Geer.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Church, Monmouth, IL. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Monmouth. The Rosary service will begin at 9:00 am Tuesday morning at the church with visitation to follow until the time of the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception School, Monmouth, IL. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.
