1932
Alice
2012
Alice Becraft
July 23, 1932 — June 3, 2012
She was a poet, a singer, a songwriter, an artist, a cook/chef, a stock car driver and entrepreneur, and so much more. Alice Ahlene Gallagher will be remembered as a gifted, spirited and spiritual person. In her later years, she became quiet and reflective. There was much to reflect upon…
Before starting her family in the late 50s, you would likely have seen Alice on Friday nights behind the wheel of her stockcar at the Galesburg Michigan Speedway. In the early1960s, when her kids were young, she found time to sing on a local radio show with her (now former) husband, David W. Rench and their group, Ali-Ren and the Mountain Ramblers. Because of her flair for music, words and poetry, it was during this time when she wrote her first songs. Her love of writing and poetry continued throughout her lifetime along with a passion for food, cooking and nutrition.
Alice’s interest in food and creating unique and healthful recipes led her to owning and operating a restaurant, Alice’s Kitchen in the 1960s in Leonidas, Michigan. She later utilized her creative and culinary skills in several nursing homes & restaurants in this area as well as Denver and Estes’ Park, Colorado.
She grew up on a small farm in Bedford Michigan, moving to Battle Creek and then Leonidas through the 1960s. After having lived briefly in Sturgis, she fulfilled a dream by moving to Denver, Colorado and then to the beautiful mountainous Estes’ Park. In the 90s, Alice moved back to Michigan to be closer to family, choosing the Lansing area.
A devout Christian, she was a longtime member of the Battle Creek Bible Church.
Alice Ahlene (Gallagher) Becraft, 79, passed gently on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Moore’s Adult Foster Care Home in Charlotte, MI. She was born on July 23, 1932 in Battle Creek to Charles F. and Alice I. (Carpenter) Gallagher. She married David W. Rench in 1954 and they had four children, Deborah Lee Keefe, Elizabeth Dawn Crabtree, Theresa Jo Hawkins and David Charles Rench, all surviving. Alice’s surviving grandchildren include: Christopher D. Crabtree, Mellissa M. Cobb, Adam G. Keefe, Theresa N. and Kathleen M. Hawkins and one preceded her in death, Brandon L. Cobb. She also has 6 great grandchildren and two surviving sisters: Ruth Birman and Martha Gott.
Viewing and private services for immediate family was held at Richard Henry Funeral Home on June 4, 2012. Internment will be on June 5, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek.
Sunrise on the Eastern Skies
By: Alice Ahelen Gallagher
T'was sunrise on the eastern skies,
the fresh dew of morning on hill and veil.
The morn was lovely, hushed and still,
they raised their heads toward yonder hill.
The cross not gone, still standing there,
On which Jesus died our sins to bare.
For the sins of the world, to set us free,
There was He crucified, for you, for me,
His body they laid in a cold dark tomb,
Do not sorrow He said, I'll rise again soon.
Lift up your heads, do not dismay,
I will rise again the third day.
T'was sunrise on the eastern skies,
Christ arose, oh hear the glad cries.
The tomb is vacant, Christ arose,
The victor, triumphant o'er his foes.
He lives! He lives!
Christ Jesus lives today!
He cares, He loves us, Always will,
Throughout life's winding way,
He died to save, Salvation's free,
He offers now my friend to thee,
He calls us from a world of care,
He calls each troubled and needy heart everywhere,
So call on His name,
Your soul He will save.
He loves you dear heart,
For you His life he gave.
Before starting her family in the late 50s, you would likely have seen Alice on Friday nights behind the wheel of her stockcar at the Galesburg Michigan Speedway. In the early1960s, when her kids were young, she found time to sing on a local radio show with her (now former) husband, David W. Rench and their group, Ali-Ren and the Mountain Ramblers. Because of her flair for music, words and poetry, it was during this time when she wrote her first songs. Her love of writing and poetry continued throughout her lifetime along with a passion for food, cooking and nutrition.
Alice’s interest in food and creating unique and healthful recipes led her to owning and operating a restaurant, Alice’s Kitchen in the 1960s in Leonidas, Michigan. She later utilized her creative and culinary skills in several nursing homes & restaurants in this area as well as Denver and Estes’ Park, Colorado.
She grew up on a small farm in Bedford Michigan, moving to Battle Creek and then Leonidas through the 1960s. After having lived briefly in Sturgis, she fulfilled a dream by moving to Denver, Colorado and then to the beautiful mountainous Estes’ Park. In the 90s, Alice moved back to Michigan to be closer to family, choosing the Lansing area.
A devout Christian, she was a longtime member of the Battle Creek Bible Church.
Alice Ahlene (Gallagher) Becraft, 79, passed gently on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Moore’s Adult Foster Care Home in Charlotte, MI. She was born on July 23, 1932 in Battle Creek to Charles F. and Alice I. (Carpenter) Gallagher. She married David W. Rench in 1954 and they had four children, Deborah Lee Keefe, Elizabeth Dawn Crabtree, Theresa Jo Hawkins and David Charles Rench, all surviving. Alice’s surviving grandchildren include: Christopher D. Crabtree, Mellissa M. Cobb, Adam G. Keefe, Theresa N. and Kathleen M. Hawkins and one preceded her in death, Brandon L. Cobb. She also has 6 great grandchildren and two surviving sisters: Ruth Birman and Martha Gott.
Viewing and private services for immediate family was held at Richard Henry Funeral Home on June 4, 2012. Internment will be on June 5, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek.
Sunrise on the Eastern Skies
By: Alice Ahelen Gallagher
T'was sunrise on the eastern skies,
the fresh dew of morning on hill and veil.
The morn was lovely, hushed and still,
they raised their heads toward yonder hill.
The cross not gone, still standing there,
On which Jesus died our sins to bare.
For the sins of the world, to set us free,
There was He crucified, for you, for me,
His body they laid in a cold dark tomb,
Do not sorrow He said, I'll rise again soon.
Lift up your heads, do not dismay,
I will rise again the third day.
T'was sunrise on the eastern skies,
Christ arose, oh hear the glad cries.
The tomb is vacant, Christ arose,
The victor, triumphant o'er his foes.
He lives! He lives!
Christ Jesus lives today!
He cares, He loves us, Always will,
Throughout life's winding way,
He died to save, Salvation's free,
He offers now my friend to thee,
He calls us from a world of care,
He calls each troubled and needy heart everywhere,
So call on His name,
Your soul He will save.
He loves you dear heart,
For you His life he gave.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alice Becraft, please visit our flower store.