On Dec. 1, 2019, Alice C. Ash, 80, of Duluth, went to meet her maker.

Alice was born on Sept. 30, 1939. She was the youngest of four children of Michael and Cecelia Kriske in Duluth/Howard Gnesen Rd, where they all grew up.

Alice and her husband, Marion J. Ash II, travelled for his construction jobs before they finally brought seven children from the Twin Cities to a farm in Jacobson, MN. The children quickly learned that you do not milk a cow by pumping their tail, brown cows do not give you chocolate milk, and tractors can go sideways in the garage.

During their travels, Alice was a full-time mom while also working outside the home. She worked for the Armory in Anoka, as a waitress at several area restaurants, and finally as a truck driver for Halverson – where she met the love of her life, LeRoy Patanude. Alice spent her last 17 years enjoying being a partner in life with him.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert and Dale; and ex-husband, Marion Ash II.

Alice is survived by her eight children, Debra Ash, Brian Ash, Wanita (Eugene) Benes, Annette (Steve) Tracy, Marjorie (Steven) Bruce, James (Jan) Ash, Marion Ash III, and Christopher Ash; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and sister, Maryann Manick.

Due to Covid-19, a private family service to be held.