WALDEN, ALICE MARY {PLUMMER}, 88  , a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023 in Augusta, Kansas. She was born on July 9, 1935, in Brimhall Nizhoni, New Mexico, to her loving parents, Emerson and Rose (Peshlakai) Plummer. Alice's journey through life was marked by dedication to her family, an unwavering spirit, and boundless creativity. 

 Alice, who was full blood Native American Navajo of the Bitter Water clan, spent her early years on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. Later, she was sent to Chilocco Indian School (1948-1953) in Oklahoma, which marked the beginning of her incredible life journey. Her path eventually led her to Wichita, Kansas, where she took on the role of a nanny and housekeeper for a local doctor. It was in Wichita where she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Walden, at the local YMCA. Their love blossomed, culminating in a marriage on July 7, 1962. 

 In the early years of their marriage, Alice devoted herself to raising her children, showcasing her exceptional talent for sewing by crafting much of their clothes with love and care. Her skills eventually found a new home at H.M Gattis Bowling Apparel, an embroidery and sewing company in Wichita. Here, Alice sat at an industrial Singer sewing machine, creating exquisite bowling shirts and Shriner's Jackets with unmatched skill and precision. When the owners of the company retired, Alice was delighted to take her machine home with her, where her creativity knew no bounds. 

 Her love for sewing and embroidery extended beyond her professional life. Alice was a true artisan, crafting Navajo shawls, apparel, and tote bags long before they became popular. She even designed her own decorative regalia for traditional pow wows. Her generosity shone through in the personalized Christmas stockings she created for family members which have become treasured family keepsakes. 

 Alice's life was not all work and creativity, though. She had a zest for life that extended to her love of shopping, especially at Walmart, and her enjoyment of bingo and frequent visits to the casino. She was an avid coffee lover and could be found savoring a cup at all times of the day and evening. 

 Alice's skills extended to crochet and expert seamstress work, and she generously shared her time and talents with those around her. Her greatest love was reserved for her family, and as she aged, she became the cherished resident babysitter for all her grandchildren. 

 She was exceptionally proud of her family's military heritage, including her uncle, who served as a Navajo Code Talker during World War II and her grandson, Derek, who served honorably in the Marines and Air Force. 

 Alice Mary Walden is survived by her husband Bill Walden, Lois (Dale) Simon, Carol Walden (formerly Thyfault), Susan (Paul) Machado, 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, brothers Henry Plummer, Harrison (Georgia) Plummer, sisters Louise (Plummer) Begaye and Loretta (Plummer) Ashley. She was preceded in death by her father Emerson Plummer, mother Rose (Peshlakai) Plummer, sister Katie Jackson, Elanor Malone, Narcissa Jones, brothers Nelson and Leo. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and generosity that will be cherished by her family and friends forever. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

 Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Faith Baptist Church, 417 W. Central Ave., Andover, KS and can be viewed here:  https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/jZOVN-bf9LRsVWvxLIxZN4MAfl6_aB3n-lKh0BgaituZnp3pg9EVzJs4nOwCxThS.NhowA3DxQI3xj8NA  

 Passcode: 98z+q6y% 

 Donations can be made to Mid-America All-Indian Museum, 650 N Seneca, Wichita, KS 67203 in Alice's memory. 

 Alice's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the support and condolences they have received during this difficult time. Your love and kindness are greatly appreciated. 

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