Alice Goens

With tremendous strength and determination, Alice Goens lived a life rich in family and friends. Typically, a serious person who never pulled any punches nor had room for sarcasm and jokes, Alice was a battle axe with an unwavering commitment to the care of those she loved. Whether working the farm, doing her job, or tending to her family, Alice gave her best efforts. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Alice was an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.

1944 marked a time when all American lives were directly impacted by the war effort in Europe. While countless young people actively served in the trenches of WWII, those who remained stateside poured their energies into supporting the war effort in any way they could. As the nation looked toward peace, Alice was born on June 7 in Tennessee.

The oldest of six, Alice had many responsibilities growing up during these humble times. After the family moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan, for a short time, they settled on a farm in Decatur, Michigan. Some of Alice‘s many chores included helping cook meals on a wood stove and filling buckets for the baths she and her siblings took. She and her siblings fought over who had to sit behind their dad as he drove because he spat tobacco while driving.

Inheriting her mother’s grit and determination to provide for her family, Alice tied grapes to earn enough money to buy her class ring. After graduating from Decatur High School, she began working at Welch’s, making $1 an hour as a general laborer. For nearly 35 years, she dedicated herself to the company.

Alice met her future husband, Jake Gones, during her high school years. They married shortly after high school and started their family right away. While Jake was sent to Korea, Alice was pregnant with their first child, Jake, who was born in 1968. Fortunately, Jake safely returned home after his service, and the couple welcomed their son, Mark, in 1973 and their daughter, Mechell, in 1976.

Alice continued to work while raising her kids, and Jake worked at General Motors. Alice was a good mom who parented with old-school strictness and didn’t let her kids get away with anything. She loved to have “meetings” with the kids to get to know what was going on and generously took in lots of neighborhood kids. Alice loved hosting pig roasts at the home she and Jake built on the farm in the 70's.

After her 32 year marriage ended, Alice remained active and continued to keep the farm operational. She enjoyed many things, like horses and fishing, when someone else was willing to bait the hook. She loved R&B, country music, and basic soul food. Fried catfish and roasted pig were her favorite meals, and Crown Royal with ice and Coke was her favorite drink.

Alice never married again and was content with the simple things in life. Her days centered on going to work, returning home, and tending to the farm. She liked flowers, hosting holidays, and watching The Young and the Restless and Dallas. She and her best friend, Carol Crawley, enjoyed playing cards, and Alice organized fun bus trips to Cedar Point and SeaWorld.

Always on the go, only in the last four or five years, after experiencing Ataxia, followed by Dementia, did Alice begin to slow down. With the support of her family, Alice was able to continue to live in her home through her final days. With signature strength and will, Alice fought until the very end, caring for her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

As we celebrate Alice’s life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy forward. In each moment we confidently face life’s challenges, give our utmost to the things we’re responsible for, find joy in the simple things like flowers and family time, celebrate holidays with loved ones, or enjoy a game of cards, we keep Alice’s memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Members of her family include 3 children: Jake Gones, Mark Gones and his sons: Mark Jr. and John, and Mechell (Joseph) German and her daughter, Amber Cook; siblings: Annie Cross, Rachel (Butch) Wagner and Russell Lee; and many nieces, nephews and cousin.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw, MI 49079 (269) 657-3870. Celebrate Alice’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of your choice.