Alice Botts
June 24, 2019
Alice G. Botts, 83, passed away June 24, 2019, at her home in Mitchellville. She was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1935 and was the youngest daughter born to Margaret and John Mehlhop.
Alice graduated from Underwood High School in 1952, received her 2 year degree from State Teacher’s College in 1954, and her bachelor’s degree from State Teacher’s College in 1965. Upon graduation, she began her 30-plus year career as an elementary school teacher. While in Cedar Falls, she met Dean Botts and they were united in marriage in 1957. They were blessed with their son, Mike, in 1959 and their daughter, Mary, in 1964.
Alice loved golfing, reading, playing bridge, and socializing by the pool with her friends while wintering in Mesa, Arizona. She was an avid fan of Iowa Hawkeye sports. Alice was a strong supporter of the Mitchellville Library and a member of P. E. O. Above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren.
Alice is survived by her children, Mary (Chris) Larson and Mike (Danette) Botts; grandchildren, Jon (Lisa) Botts, Kristin (Jacob) Mott, Brita Larson, Brynn Larson, Molly Larson and Erica (Christoph) Bautze; great-grandchildren, Ben and Will Botts, Mika and Kimi Bautze. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dean and her sister, Gloria.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th Street SW in Altoona. The family will receive visitors at the church one hour prior to and after the service time.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of the Cross or the Mitchellville Library, in loving memory of Alice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Chris & Marla (Shuey) Behrens
07/02/2019
Mary, Mike , & families, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Echoing Jane's comments, we all have so many great memories of your mom ... and dad. Her laugh, wit, and energy will always be remembered. Of course she taught Marla and I in school like so many young students... strict and fair.. an outstanding teacher! We wish you and your families all the best and will always remember your parents... the dynamic duo and their love of life and family..
Jan Harding Charron
07/02/2019
Mike & Danette,
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in the memories you have shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Cathy Tyson
07/01/2019
I am sorry to read of Alice's passing. Jim was high school principal at Colfax-Mingo and I subbed for her while living in Colfax. I often thought of her in my retirement days and when we drove through Mitchellville. She indeed was a very special person and someone we will always remember. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you adjust to her passing. Your memories will be precious ones in the days and years to come.
Mark Lawler
06/29/2019
I am so sad to hear this. Alice and I co-taught 5th grade at Colfax for several years. I learned so much from her and it was a privilege to teach with her. She didnt put up with any nonsense but each of her students knew that she really cared about them! She was a real classy lady, full of spirit and inspiration! Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Don Lester
06/28/2019
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Botts's family members. I loved being in her classroom where you knew she cared about you, you learned a lot, and you didn't want to disappoint her so you worked hard. I had so many great educators in the Colfax schools and Mrs. Botts was definitely one of them. My decision to go into education was based largely on the teachers like Mrs. Botts who made learning meaningful and fun. I want to thank her children for allowing all of her students the chance to get to have the time with her as a teacher, mentor, and role model. Her family is evidence of the legacy she has left. Teachers truly do touch a life forever because I can see in my teaching style little bits of each teacher I had and Mrs. Botts definitely made me want to make sure I cared about each student in my classroom. I was so lucky to have her as "My teacher!".
Leslie Hernandez
06/28/2019
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. In times like these it's hard to find true comfort but God assures us he will be there for us during these times, please notice what the scriptures say at 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4 ''Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God.'' Jehovah God, our Creator is willing to comfort us.
Ken and Elaine Schmidt
06/28/2019
Our deepest sympathy upon the loss of your loved one. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Duchene
06/27/2019
Kristin Botts Mott and Family. Please accept My heartfelt condolences and Sympathy.
Kelli Rogers
06/27/2019
Dear Family of Alice Botts; I am so sorry to hear of Alices passing.
Alice was my favorite teacher in junior high school! She loved her students; and it showed in the way she taught her classes. Alice was a
special lady; and an excellent teacher. She will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to all all theFamily.
God Bless you, Alice!!!
Kelli Rogers
Bert Deaton
06/27/2019
So sorry to hear about Alice! Worked with her for many years at the elementary and was very fond of her! Prayers of comfort to all her family at this sad time! Rest peacefully my friend!
Melissa Linder
06/27/2019
Mrs Botts was my 6th and 7th grade teacher many moons ago. What an amazing inspiration to young children. She was a great teacher. Very caring and loving! I loved her good morning smiles!!!
Roger Yohe
06/27/2019
Mrs. Botts was my favorite elementary school teacher. I will always remember how she welcomed me when my family moved to Colfax. As I studied to become a teacher, I realized even more what an amazing educator she was. Condolences to the family and best wishes as you celebrate the life of wonderful woman.
karla jones
06/27/2019
Mike, Danette and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and are sending you comfort and love as you work through this difficult time. Alice was a mentor to me as I began my teaching career at Colfax and I always appreciated the wisdom and guidance she shared with me. We are blessed to have known and spent time with Alice, and we will miss her humor and friendship.
Todd and Karla Jones
Gaylene Otto
06/25/2019
Alices Family,
We enjoyed Alice! Her kindness & sense of humor was much appreciated. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren:) We will miss her.
Lovingly in P.E.O.,
Chapter BA/Colfax
Jane Behrens
06/25/2019
Mary, Mike and families: I am saddened by the loss of Alice. She was like our second mom and was always there for us in need. Our times on New Year's Eve, at Okoboji and all other gatherings through the years were so much fun! She was family and will be missed. I will miss her cards and emails at Christmas and on my birthday. I can now picture all them together again: Alice, Deano, Mom and Dad. She is now free, smiling and happy. Love to you all--- Jane Behrens, Kansas City, MO