Alice Anne Butenschoen

Alice Anne (Stevens) Butenschoen, of Bellingham, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024 at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, Henry “Hank” Butenschoen who passed in January 2024. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Randy and Greg Butenschoen, her sisters, Evelyn Heay, Wilma Rainford and Elinor Phillips, great -granddaughter Scarlett and great-great granddaughter Ruth.

Alice Anne Stevens was born on February 18, 1934 in Bellingham, Washington, to Remington and Pearl Stevens. She grew up in the Northshore area of Lake Whatcom with her three sisters and two of her best friends Doreen and Betty (who both would eventually become her sisters-in law). She always said that one of her fondest memories growing up was spending time with her dad in a row boat on Lake Whatcom. 

It was in Bellingham that Alice met the love of her life, Henry Butenschoen, and they were married in 1951. Henry and Alice raised their children and had a profound impact on many people’s lives in the seven decades that they lived in Whatcom County. 

Alice was a kind and caring person who was deeply devoted to Jesus and just as deeply devoted to her family. She was particularly happy on holidays or special occasions when she could be surrounded by members of all five generations of her family. 

Alice will be remembered for her knack for making everyone feel at home and welcome. She always had time to visit, and was happy when she could share a prayer, or a jar of homemade jam, or several of her famous crocheted dish cloths. Alice was a gifted painter and artist, seamstress, and kept herself busy canning about anything that could be preserved in a Mason jar. When she was done with her labors for the day, she enjoyed having friends over for tea or simply sitting on her back porch enjoying her yard. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. 

Alice is survived by her children Steve (Mary) Butenschoen, Gary (Lisa) Butenschoen, Cheryl Brager, Karen (Scott) McKay and Marcia (Dan) Holz. Alice is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. A Memorial Service celebrating Alice’s life will be held Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 1:30 P.M. at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA 98226. There will be reception immediately following in the adjacent Fellowship Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Whatcom Hospice, 2806 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225.