She was born April 19, 1933, at her home in Blissfield, Michigan, the daughter of Warren and Esther
(Iffland) Phillips.
Alice is survived by her loving husband of 74 years, Wendell Goetz, and children Lauren (Maria del
Carmen) Goetz of the Dominican Republic, Kendra Goetz of Riga, and Kristen (Dennis) TenWolde, of Oakwood, Ohio, five grandchildren, one great grandchild, sister-in-law Mary Lou Philips, and step sister Rosamond Maloney. She was preceded in death by her daughter Wanda (Bill) Goetz-Beiswenger of Jackson, Michigan, her parents, three brothers; Earl, Keith and Lloyd, her stepmother Zelma (Scholl, nee Sell) Phillips, and three stepsisters; Glendora, Marlene and Marjorie.
She graduated from Blissfield High School as president of the class of 1951. On August 31, 1951, Alice and Wendell started their long life together, marrying in Blissfield, at the then Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Alice was a dedicated mother and with her beloved Wendell helped to raise and nurture their four
children. Alice emphasized education, reading, music, and Christianity. She set a high example of strong work ethics and spirit of volunteerism. In addition to jobs at the Blissfield Canning Factory, U.S. Census, and Avon, Alice volunteered innumerable hours for the March of Dimes, Blissfield Band Boosters, and the God is the Answer Christian Women’s Retreat.
Alice absolutely loved to teach children and put this passion into action as the Flower Leader for the Riga Go-Getters 4-H Club, elementary school room mother, and being a Sunday School Teacher for decades. Alice was a life-long member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church where she sang in choir, served on committees and created a highly successful guest concert series during her years as Music Coordinator.
Alice and Wendell often travelled with their family to historical and interesting regional locations along with camping vacations. They visited their son in the Dominican Republic. The couple spent their 50th wedding anniversary on an Alaskan Cruise.
Following a battle with breast cancer, Alice presented motivational speeches for women in many
Michigan and Ohio communities encouraging them to seek early treatment and sharing that God heals. Alice is remembered for being creative, resourceful, and humorous, reading aloud to her family, singing songs, playing the piano, cooking countless delicious meals, gardening, canning and sewing special dresses.
Friends and family will celebrate her life at Emmanuel Methodist Church, 215 E. Jefferson St. in Blissfield, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00pm, funeral service will begin at the conclusion of visitation at 2:00pm with internment to follow at Riga Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Alice may be made to Solid Rock Medical Mission and School of the Dominican Republic. A non-profit focused on the body, mind and soul of the poor in the Dominican Republic. www.solidrockinternational.org
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
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