Alice Anita VanCleave

On January 27, 1916, a daughter, Alice Anita, was born to Crist and Hilder (Anderson) Estergard near Etna, Nebraska in southwest Custer County. She was the second of seven children (Including a set of triplets). At a young age her parents moved to the family ranch east of Callaway. She graduated from Callaway High School with the class of 1933. Alice took normal training classes at Callaway and college classes from Kearney and Chadron to become a teacher. She later taught at four rural schools in the Callaway and Arnold area. On June 18, 1938 she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Ross Harlan VanCleave at her parents’ home. They had dated for seven years prior to this union. After their marriage they moved to Hammond, Indian where Harlan managed an ice cream factory. They returned in 1939 and purchased the Bogues Farm two miles east of Callaway. They lived there until 1982 when they moved to their retirement home in Callaway. After Harlan’s passing in 199, she continued to live on Dorrance Street until January 24, 2005, when she became a resident of Good Samaritan Home. Alice moved to Heritage Hall in Broken Bow on August 7, 2007. They were parents of three children, Jerry Eugene who passed away at birth, Donna Lea, and Jerri Ann. Harlen and Alice were also parents to a niece, Alice Fay Van Cleave, for ten years after the death of her mother. Alice also filled in as mom for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews helping with their 4-H, JR SR proms, doctor appointments, and just being there to love them. Alice and Harlen spent 58 years of love and happiness together until his death on March 15, 1996. Their home was a welcome home for many of their family and friends. The door was always open for anyone in need or just for a cup of tea and a cookie. She spent many hours sewing for her family, whether it be doll clothes, stick horses, or that special patch on a pair of jeans. Each of her grandchildren received a special quilt for their high school graduation. She served as a 4-H leader for the Sunnyside 4-H club and was honored with a twenty year pin for her services to the youth. Alice was also a Girl Scout leader, FHA chapter mother, and a member of the Friendly Circle Extension Club. She was honored with being the volunteer of the year at the Callaway Good Samaritan Home and also received recognition for her many years of service to the Callaway Alumni. Alice was a member of the E.U.B./United Methodist Church for 70 years and was a member of the ladies circle for 50 years. She was a Sunday school teacher and was always available for church functions. Alice passed away on August 1, 2010 at Heritage Hall nursing home in Broken Bow at the age of 94 years 6 months and 5 days. Alice is survived by two daughters: Donna Lea (Gary) Glendy and Jerri Ann (Richard) Maxwell both of Callaway, one foster daughter: Alice Fay (Larry) Noriega of West Fargo, ND; Five Grandchildren: Brian (Suzanne) Glendy; and Brenda (Richard) Still of Oconto, Layne (Lynette) Glendy of Callaway; Aimee (Doug) Parde of Sterling, and Pamila (Ben) Quandt of Sargent; eight great grandchildren: William Logan and Colter Glendy; Rebecca and Marshall Still; Kalie and Emalee Glendy; and Shawn and C.J. Quandt; one brother, Bobby (Gayle) of Callaway, and two brothers-in-law Bob Jarvis of Omaha and Martin Achterberg of Lexington, along with many other nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harlen (March 15, 1996); one son, Jerry Eugene (August 2, 1942); two sons-in-law, Jerry Glendy (August 5, 1978) and Michael Anderson (July 23, 1987); two brothers, Edwin and Leroy; and three sisters Donna Helberg, Betty Jarvis, and Bonny Achterberg.