Alice Faye Ripperton Beckham

January 20, 1923 - April 23, 2024

Alice passed away peacefully, at the age of 101, on April 23, 2024.  The youngest of Frank and Lutie Ripperton's seven children, Alice was born on a farm in Monmouth, Iowa on January 20, 1923.  After graduating from Onslow High School in 1940, she attended business college in Clinton, IA and moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the Pentagon.  Alice moved to California and married Robert Beckham in 1945.  After they separated in 1959, she raised their four children as a single mother, working multiple jobs at the same time to provide for her family.  She worked at Day's Tailored Clothing, the Madigan NCO Club and retired from The Port of Tacoma in 1985 after 23 years of service.

Alice reconnected with the love of her life, Wilbur "Skeeter" Wells, when they were in their 70s and they shared many special years and adventures together until he passed away in 2001.  Alice's life was marked by hard work, staying active, maintaining a vibrant social life and showing her love for others with her countless homemade gifts, her constant presence and her warm laughter and smile.  She continued bowling, line dancing and playing cards with friends well into her 90s, while also living independently and driving until the age of 97.  She showered her family and friends with love and has been an inspiration to all who know her.Alice was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, daughter (Linda Risinger) and Skeeter.  She is survived by three children: Robert (Frances) Beckham, Sandra (Bill) Fahey, and Mark (Sandy) Beckham and 10 grandchildren: Chalene, Sheri, Bob, Jessica, Ashley, Angie, Nikki, Jason, Jeff and Danielle.  She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews and friends.