Alice Jean McDonald Davis, 91, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully at 1:07 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2024, at home with her daughters and trusted friend, Starr, at her side.
She was born August 11, 1933, in Grand Forks, Minnesota, the daughter of Daniel and Mildred (Harrington) McDonald. She married Lyle L. “Bud” Davis on May 24, 1952, in Key West, Minnesota. He preceded in death on April 3, 2020, after nearly 68 years of marriage.
She is survived by two daughters, Dawn Rae Davis of California and Karla Davis of New Mexico; a granddaughter, Iva Davis of California; a sister, Patricia Thorp of California; and five nieces and two nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Inez Brown.
Alice was raised in Key West, Minnesota and graduated high school from the Northwest School of Agriculture at Crookston, Minnesota. This is also where she met Bud, the love of her life. They courted by letter while he served overseas during the Korean War. Early in her working career, Alice worked for the radio station in Crookston, writing and selling advertising. After the family moved to Galesburg, Alice worked as the bookkeeper for Munson Hybrids, the seed corn business of which she and Bud were owners, until retirement in 1998.
Devout in her faith, Alice was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg. She served on the education committee, taught Sunday school for many years, and was involved with other committees. Alice was a member of the neighborhood Mimi Club from 1965 up until her time of death. She was also a member of the Tuscarora Club, Altrusa Club, and PEO. She was an athlete who loved to run. She had been a member of the Knox County YMCA since the new facility was built and a part of its Silver Sneakers group. Alice enjoyed volunteering at Moon Towers and as a reading buddy for District 205 for many years. She also enjoyed china painting, sewing, gardening, canning, homemaking, and playing cards. A favorite pastime Alice shared with Bud was dancing, especially the polka.
Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Service of Galesburg. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Scott Carnes officiating. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Thrive Community Service (formerly KCCDD) or First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
