Alice Presson Obituary (2024)

Alice Presson left her earthly form to join God and her family in heaven on February 11, 2024, with family by her side, at Hillcrest Assisted Living Center, in Yakima, Washington. She had lived over 104 years! She was born on September 8, 1919, in Selah, Washington, to Oscar F. and Edna L. (Hane) Carlson. Her parents were Swedish immigrants. Her half-brother, Clarence was born in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, and then her dad moved first to North Dakota, then to Selah, Washington. He married Edna in Minnesota and they returned to their Selah orchard and farm. Alice had two siblings, an older sister, Gladys, and younger brother, Leroy. Living on a farm, she learned to milk the cow, care for chickens, can and cure foods, thin apples, build apple boxes, and many other chores. With help from family as a little girl, Alice had a small vegetable garden, and also nurtured roses and other flowers by the farmhouse front porch. This began a life-long passion for raising food for the table, and flower gardens for enjoyment and beauty. Sundays were for church and family, and on school days she walked (grades 1-4) then was bussed (5-8 grades). She passed all her subject tests at the end of 8th grade, and she completed four years of high school, graduating as class salutatorian in 1937. She completed secretarial training at Whitman Business College in 1938. She then worked for the Agricultural Adjustment Administration in Yakima. When WWII began, her folks wouldn't let her join WACS/WAVES, so after passing the civil service exam, she worked at the Army Air Bases in Ephrata and Moses Lake, Washington, in the "Courts and Boards" legal department. After the war, she returned to Yakima to work for Richy & Elon Gilbert Co. There she met the love of her life, Al Presson, when he was interviewed by Elon for the irrigation sales position. Al got the job and later called Alice for a movie date, which she accepted. After a courtship via motorcycle, they were married on November 20, 1948. Al and Alice continued to ride motorcycles together for many years, participating in rallies across the county in their matching silver helmets! She became a full-time mom when their son, John, was born in 1953, followed by son, Bill, in 1956. Then in 1960 she and Al bought an 1890's farm and house on 20 acres at 31 W. Washington. They raised cattle and hay while Al continued working in the farm irrigation business. She established vegetable and flower gardens all around the farmhouse, and many family gatherings were held there for over 40 years. She volunteered as a teacher's aide in writing and English at Broadway Elementary School, where she had many students as pen pals. She had young pen pals through the rest of her life, many of them still writing to her as adults. She worked for Snokist Growers from 1971-1977, and then "retired" to devote more time to her volunteer activities and travel with Al. She joined Nature Artists Garden Club, became an early member of the Yakima Master Gardeners, serving as Secertary, President, and Central District Director. Working with other garden enthusiasts, they started the Yakima Arboretum, which is now a 46-acre urban green space for the Yakima area. She was a member of Friends of the Gilbert House, Women's Century Club, several book clubs, and an editor for garden and book club newsletters using her carbon data processor. Al was a Mason and a Shriner, and Alice was also active with the Shriners (president of Shrine Ladies in 1996, member of the Shelomi Daughters of the Nile, and volunteered with Al at Shriner's Hospital in Spokane). She and Al were 50-year members of Wesley United Methodist, where she taught Sunday School, played in the handbell choir, and served in the Altar Guild. Her beloved husband Al passed away in 2009. She is survived by her sons and their spouses John and Judy Presson - Vancouver, WA granddaughters Amy Presson Vancouver and Kristina Presson Kihei, HI, Bill and Sheri Presson - Selah; niece Judy Meloy (Roger), nephewGreg Meloy (Cheri), cousins Floyd Field, Marilyn (Field) Porter, Shirley (Erickson) Baublitz, Marvin Erickson, Darlene (Lake) Martinell, Doug Field, Julia Brown (Dwaine), Leah Charlotte, Hallie Trickery (Patrick), Mindie Ribail (Jim), Raime Mullinnex (Joshua), Nancy Miles (Adam), and many other relatives and friends. Thank you to the staff at Human Good (Living Care) Retirement Center and Hospice for their help and care for Alice. Her welcoming smile will be missed by us all. Alice and family request memorial donations be made in Alice Pressons name to the Yakima Valley Arboretum; 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima, WA 98901; www.ahtrees.org; or to Shriners Childrens Hospitals; 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; www.donate.lovetotherescue.org/superheros. A Celebration of her Life will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 2:00pm, in Meyer Auditorium at the Human Good Retirement Center (215 North 40th Ave., Yakima, WA 98908). Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. Celebration of Life Meyer Auditorium Saturday, April 27, 2024 2:00 PM 215 North 40th Avenue Yakima, Washington 98908