Alice Paulson

Alice Louise Paulson, 81, died peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2024 at UnityPoint Hospice - Taylor House in Des Moines, IA. She was born on August 23, 1942 in Ames, IA, the daughter of Lavern and Margaret (Butler) Paulson, and the oldest of five siblings.

Alice graduated from Ames High School in 1960 and attended Iowa State University where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and earned her B.S. in Psychology in 1964. She was a lifelong Iowa State Cyclones fan.

On March 1, 1964, she married Craig Ritland. The couple later divorced.

They started their careers in St. Louis, MO in 1965 until Craig was drafted by the Army in 1966 and the couple moved to Fort Knox, KY where son, Eric was born. In 1968 they relocated back to Iowa and made their home in Waterloo. They welcomed two more children, twins, Karl and Kari.

Once her children were settled in school, Alice started a career in real estate which spanned nearly four decades. She moved to Branson, MO for 25 years before returning to Iowa to be closer to family and childhood friends in 2017.

Alice had a warm smile and a love for serving her community. While raising her three children she was active in the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, serving as President for the 1979-80 league year. She was also active in the St. Francis Hospital Foundation, serving as President in 1985, and the City of Waterloo Planning & Zoning Commission.

In addition to cheering on the Cyclones, Alice loved theater, reading, playing bridge, and lunches with friends. She will be missed for her dry, witty humor and fun-loving nature.

Alice is survived by her son, Eric (Julie) Ritland of Waterloo; son, Karl Ritland of Runnells; daughter, Kari (Lane) Culver of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Matt Ritland, Jordan Ritland, Nick Ritland, Sam Ritland, Anna Culver, and Grace Culver; siblings, Anita Layfield, of Tempe, AZ, Jo Ann Paulson, of Lewes, DE, Mary (Brad) Bogenrief, of Lampe, MO, and Greg (Lynn) Paulson, of Bishop, GA.

Memorials may be directed to UnityPoint Hospice - Taylor House or the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls.

A private celebration of life will be held later this spring.

Burial: Nevada Municipal Cemetery, Nevada, IA.

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