Alice Ann Kirkpatrick

Alice Ann Kirkpatrick, 84, of Las Cruces is now in God's hands. She passed away, March 4, 2012, at home with her children and caregivers by her side. Alice Ann was born to Hervey and Rosemay Schneider on November 19, 1927, in Eureka, KS. She is survived by her daughter Eileen (Wayne) Gilbert and her son Mark Kirkpatrick of Las Cruces; grandsons Dan Kirkpatrick and Jim (Emma) Kirkpatrick of Santa Fe; great-grandchildren Miah and Aiden. She was preceded in death by her everloving husband of 54 years, Robert Kirkpatrick and her son Steven Kirkpatrick. Alice Ann grew up in Kansas. She began dancing at 5 years of age and performed in many venues in and around Kansas City and Lawrence, KS. She was an accomplished ballet, tap, exhibition and acrobatic dancer. Her brother Arthur was often her dance partner. After graduation at age 16, from Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, KS; she went on to Kansas University where she completed an intensive 13- week Aircraft Technician Course. She moved to Wichita, KS, to work at Boeing Aircraft Company until the end of WWII. During her time at Boeing she was a part of the drafting team who worked on the development and modification of the B-29 Superfortress. Her team was given the task of stripping a B-29 of gun turrets and navigational equipment to enable the airplane to carry a specific yet unknown payload. It turned out later that the bomber they worked on was the Enola Gay. After leaving Boeing, Alice Ann attended the University of Wichita where she continued her studies in the area of design, engineering and drafting. In 1946, Alice Ann moved to Denver, CO, where she worked in the drafting department of Gates Rubber Company until 1951. In May of 1948, she met Robert Kirkpatrick and was swept off her feet. They danced and romanced the summer away and became engaged in July. Alice Ann and Robert were married in Denver on January 2, 1949. In 1951 they moved to Alamosa, CO, where their son Steven and daughter Eileen were born. In 1955, they moved to Santa Fe, NM, where their son Mark was born. In 1974 they moved to Las Cruces when Robert went to work for NMSU. Alice Ann was an active member of the United Methodist Women at St. John's Methodist in Santa Fe and University United Methodist Church in Las Cruces for over 50 years. She taught 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School classes for over 40 years in Santa Fe and Las Cruces. She was a volunteer in Santa Fe and Las Cruces for the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Gospel Rescue Mission and El Caldito Soup Kitchen. She was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. The family wishes to offer sincere thanks to Alice's special "family" of caregivers for their loving, tireless, gentle care of our mother during her final years: Mary Anne Avalos, Frank Avalos, Maria Vargas, Mary Lou Ramirez, Tiellie Vielma, Maria Martinez, Maria Leyva, Maria Guerra, Bobbie Avalos. Thanks also to the home health aides, nurses, doctors and pastors of Mesilla Valley Hospice for their care and support. Alice Ann will join her husband at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at a family service. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at University United Methodist Church, 2000 S. Locust. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM; the Alzheimer's Association, University United Methodist Church or a local charity of your choice in Las Cruces. PDF Printable Version