Alice Marie Swyhart, age 79 of Protem, MO passed away after a short illness on November 28, 2020.  Alice was surrounded by her daughters and left this earth peacefully as she was awarded the ultimate gift of eternal life.

Alice was born on July 30, 1941 in northwest Missouri, one of five daughters to Thelma and Vincent Smith.  Alice married her life partner David Swyhart and raised a family of three daughters while moving around the country due to Dave's career.  Alice started her career as a teacher and then dedicated many years to raising her children.  As a second career she spent several years serving her community as an educator and mentor at The Missouri Career Center, impacting countless lives.  Upon retirement Alice cared for her husband Dave and enjoying her family and friends in her and Dave's family home on Bull Shoals Lake.

Alice greatly loved her family and countless friends. Her greatest joy in life were her children and being "Honey" to her grandchildren. Alice's Christian faith and love of Jesus Christ was important to her. She enjoyed her parish community at St. William Catholic Church in Gainesville, Missouri, where she was an active member.  Alice and Dave's life at the lake always included many friends and family members lounging on one of the porches and enjoying the company of others.

Alice was known for welcoming everyone with her smile and incredible hug.  She had a heart and compassion for people in need, choosing to be an advocate and providing a hand up and support in their most vulnerable times. Over the years, Alice, along with Dave, found extra space and comfort in their home for a young single mother and her child, friends in life transition, and family members.  Alice had a special way of sharing her wisdom with her clients, co-workers and friends. She had a quick sense of humor and was kind to the people she met and invited into her life. Alice lived her life by engaging and caring for others and making them feel special. Alice is deeply loved by her family and will be missed by all who were blessed to have known her.  Her family is grateful and takes comfort that she is reunited with Dave in eternal life.

Alice is preceded in death by her husband and life partner David and her parents Vincent and Thelma Smith.  Alice is survived by her children Darbi (Steve) Welsh, Gretchen (Mark) Gambon, and Wendi Swyhart, and her beloved grandchildren whom she was "Honey" to; Laikin Larson, Bailee Welsh, Bradey Welsh and David Swyhart. Alice is also survived by her sisters Betty Grimm, Annora Newman, Wanda Dryer, and Rita Wade as well as many nieces and nephews. Alice is also survived by her sweet dog Emmett who will miss her deeply.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Alice at Holy Trinity in Springfield, 2818 E. Bennett on Saturday, December 5, 2020, with a Rosary at 1:30 pm and the Mass immediately following (2:00 pm). Interment to follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. William PO Box 367, Gainesville, MO 65655.