Alice Ruth (Thompson) Walton passed away peacefully at home in Lafayette on November 21st at the age of 97. She was born to Ruth Long Thompson and Arthur Raymond Thompson in Hendricks County on March 13, 1924. Alice was the baby sister to three older brothers, Merrill, Jewell, and Noble. She grew up on aContinue Reading
Alice Ruth (Thompson) Walton passed away peacefully at home in Lafayette on November 21st at the age of 97.
She was born to Ruth Long Thompson and Arthur Raymond Thompson in Hendricks County on March 13, 1924. Alice was the baby sister to three older brothers, Merrill, Jewell, and Noble. She grew up on a farm and developed a passion for music as a child. She went on to direct concert & marching bands, and church & school choirs. She performed as an instrumentalist, piano accompanist, and organist her entire life. She played the glockenspiel, marimba, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, and tuba, just to name a few.
Her very first job was at Dairy Queen, but she loved becoming an educator. She obtained her teaching degree from Central Normal College and was certified in English, Music, Latin, & Library Science. With two young children at home, she went back to get her master’s degree from Butler University. She retired from Wainwright High School in 1983 and enjoyed many years living out west in Arizona, where she continued to perform in a variety of musical acts. Eventually, she relocated back to Indiana and enjoyed her part-time job at Kohl’s. She got a kick out of being named ‘Associate of the Month’ in her 80s.
Alice grew up in the Maplewood Christian Church near Danville. She was active in the church, busy volunteering her time and talents by making food, teaching Sunday school, directing holiday programs, leading the choir, and playing accompaniment for the church service each week. Alice was later a member of the New Hope Fellowship Church in Lafayette and was still playing music at church well into her 90s.
Alice never met a stranger or kept an enemy; she was a true class act. She loved making people feel welcome and loved connecting to others through music. She had a quick wit and an unexpected sense of humor. She liked to keep things light and cheery and would “look for the worst and hope for the best.” She remained stoic through the hardest of times, always keeping a positive attitude and a smile. She was undoubtedly the strongest person in the family.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: her husband Bill Walton, daughter Cindy Brazzel, son Tom Walton, granddaughter Rachael Guinn, and grandson Neil Brazzel Cortner.
She is survived by her granddaughters Lora Brumett and Alicia Brazzel; grandsons Michael (Carmen) Brazzel, Ronnie Brazzel, and Josh Winger; great-grandchildren Dallas Brazzel, Stella Brumett, Eleanor Brumett, Noah Guinn, Layten Winger, Kayley Brazzel, Austin Valentin, Hoss Valentin, Brandon Cavallaro, Angel Brazzel, & Ronald Brazzel Jr.; and her great-great-grandchildren Parker Oberle & Rylee Brazzel. She also leaves behind many loved ones on both the Walton and Thompson sides of her family.
Alice’s calling will be held from 10-11am, Saturday December 4th at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, in Lafayette. The service will begin at 11am. Alice will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in North Salem, IN. You may leave condolences at www.s
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence.
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.