Alice Myrle Bader Lemon

Alice Myrle Bader Lemon (AMBL) was born on the family farm homesteaded by her French and German immigrant grandparents in 1900. The farm was located in northwest Kansas, Decatur County, off a dirt road between Allison and Jennings on September 1, 1927.

While on the farm, she grew to be a hard worker and learned the morals and values that would shape the rest of her life. Mom was very close to her parents, brother, and sisters. During her life on the farm, Mom and family endured the effects of the 1929 stock market crash, the 1930s Dust Bowl era, and World War II.

In 1945, when Mom was 18 years old, she decided to leave the farm and start a new life of her own. She made her way by bus to Ottawa in eastern Kansas, where she had relatives. While there, she worked at a dry-cleaning shop and Bennett’s Creamery. During her time at Bennett’s Creamery, she formed a circle of friends, one of whom was Melba Duvall. Eventually, Mom was introduced to Melba’s older brother Jim Lemon, fresh out of the U.S. Army.

Alice and Jim developed a relationship and eventually married in 1948. A marriage that would last 60 years. Through the following years, three sons were born to Alice and Jim: Bob in 1949, Gary in 1952, and Ron in 1956. During that time, Dad worked for Hercules Inc. in Topeka, Kansas.

In 1959, Hercules asked for volunteers to work at the Hercules plant in Salt Lake City, and Dad accepted (much to Mom’s displeasure). During the years in Salt Lake City, Mom and Dad formed many friendships with neighbors and were also members of Murray Baptist Church. Later, Mom and Dad were also on the Church Board of Directors. At church, they had many lasting friendships and were involved in many charitable activities. Mom was on the Murray Baptist Church Bowling team.

Alice was an avid bowler and bowled 2 to 3 times a week. She had an average of 150 - 160, bowled some 200 games, and won numerous team and individual awards. Mom was known as “Big Al” on the bowling lanes. Mom was also involved in volunteer work through church, Cottonwood Hospital and Intermountain Medical Center.

Alice was very proud and supportive of her sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Mom made sure all her sons could cook, clean, sew, wash dishes, and wash and iron clothes to be self-sufficient when they left home. Mom often kept her grandchildren overnight. She also did many activities, which included visits to duck ponds, miniature golfing, and playing cards and board games. Mom also introduced grandchildren to some of their first cooking experiences.

In later years after Dad passed, Mom continued activities and visiting friends and family. She continued living on her own in the family home and maintained it the best that she could. She even ordered home improvements including air conditioning and a new concrete carport and driveway.

In recent years, Alice was unable to live on her own in the family home. Dementia was taking a toll. Ultimately Mom moved into assisted living at Taylorsville Golding Living Center and most recently Ivybrook Taylorsville Assisted Living. Ivybrook’s administrative staff, medical staff, food service staff, housekeeping staff, and residents all befriended Mom and took personal interest in her comfort and well-being. Our family is so appreciative of Ivybrook’s entire staff's personal care to the end. Special thanks also to the Health Watch Hospice care staff.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, brother Erwin, sisters Florence and Neta, husband Jim, son Gary, and grandson Brandon. Mom is survived by son Bob (Laura), son Ron (Nina), daughter-in-law Colleen, granddaughters Michelle, Ashley, Angela and Riley, grandsons Tony, Brett, Aaron, Vance, Lonny and Matt, 24 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Mom loved all things farm, cats and birds, rainstorms with lightning and thunder, and seeing for miles across the Kansas prairie.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.