TEMPE, Ariz. — Alice C. Stivers (Bennett), 94, of Tempe, Ariz., formerly of Clinton, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018.

Alice was born to Nort and Josie Bennett on Aug. 3, 1923, in Vandalia, Ill.  She grew up as the youngest of 12 children and graduated from Vandalia High School, in 1940.  She also graduated from the University of Illinois, in 1944.

Alice married her soul mate Ralph Stivers, in 1944.  During WWII, while Ralph was overseas, Alice took a position as a chemist with the American Can Company, Chicago.  At the end of the war, she and Ralph returned to Clinton and farmed until Ralph was recalled for service during the Korean war.  While Ralph was overseas Alice maintained the farm and raised Doug and Mark.

When Ralph returned from Korea, they purchased a farm outside Waynesville.  Soon after, they welcomed daughter Maryl.  Alice and Ralph continued to farm for nine years, until 1962.  They eventually held positions with the Clinton Community School District.  Alice taught at Webster School for the majority of her teaching career, while earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois.

Upon retiring, in 1982, she and Ralph traveled extensively in their camper, ultimately setting in Arizona.  Alice’s passion for teaching and staying active carried on through retirement.  She volunteered as a teacher’s aide and sat on several committees at Friendship Village.

Alice is survived by her son, Doug (Mary) Stivers, Gilbert, Ariz.; daughter-in-law Davida Stivers, Clinton; daughter Maryl Stivers (Jim Devine), Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren Sara (Dustin) Derby, Bettendorf, Iowa; C.J. Stivers, Warrensburg; Dareth (Dan) Dobbs, Arvada, Colo.; Kelly Stivers (Brian Murray), Chandler, Ariz.; Colbey Orokos (Samantha Molitor), Mesa, Ariz., and four great-granddaughters Shannon Derby, Whitney Stivers, Jordan Derby, and Makenzie Dobbs.

Her husband Ralph and son Mark preceded her in death.

A private, family ceremony will be held at a later date.  Memorials can be sent to Friendship Village Foundation, 2645 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282.

Condolences can be made to www.bunkerfuneral.com.