Alice M. Arjes

Alice Mae Arjes, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on November 7, 2025. She was born on October 24, 1940 in Mendota, IL to Leonard and Gladys (Berry) Rosette.

On February 12, 1965, Alice married the love of her life, Allie Arjes, in Plano, IL. They shared many beautiful years together before Allie’s passing in 1975 after a brave battle with cancer. Though their time together was too short, Alice carried his love in her heart for the rest of her life.

Alice was a dedicated and passionate teacher in the Ashton School District, where she inspired countless students from 1962 until her retirement in 1994, just in time to welcome her first granddaughter. Teaching was more than a career to her; it was a calling and she took great joy in seeing her students grow and thrive.

After retiring, Alice loved traveling to Washington State to spend time with her daughter and granddaughters, creating lifelong memories during each visit.

A woman of many talents, Alice filled her days with creativity. She was a gifted knitter, crocheter, quilter, sewer and needleworker. Her hands were rarely still, always busy crafting something beautiful for someone she loved. She was also an avid gardener, happiest when her hands were in the soil and her flowers were in bloom.

Alice was deeply involved in her community and her church. A longtime member of Saint John's Lutheran Church in Ashton, where she loved to “quilt with the ladies”. She especially enjoyed knitting baby sweaters for every newborn-so many that she knew the pattern by heart. After moving to Rochelle in 2006, she became a member of Faith Lutheran Church and shared her warmth and creativity with a new circle of friends.

Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband Allie, her parents Leonard and Gladys, sisters-in-law Bea Cardot, Betty Cardot, Pat Wyatt, Helen Davis and Lynde Arjes, brothers-in-law Jake Arjes, Bob Arjes, Don Arjes and Jerry Arjes.

She is survived by her brother Arthur Rosette, daughters Anita (Greg) Jines and Amber (Tim) Sexton, granddaughters Melissa (Leo) Saenz, Nyla (Allen) Beath, great grandchildren Leonidas Saenz, Bennett and Sofie Beath, brother-in-law Richard Arjes and many loving nieces and nephews and her dear four-legged companion, Mitsy, who was always by her side.

Alice will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her endless creativity, her green thumb, and the love she poured into her family and friends. Her warmth and kindness will live on in every quilt she stitched, every flower she tended and every heart she touched.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M at Beverage - Lyon Family Funeral Home, 704 North 6th Street Rochelle IL 61068. A visitation will also take place the next day, Friday, November 21st, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church, 14206 East Flagg Road, Rochelle, IL 61068. A funeral will begin immediately after at 11:00 A.M. The family invites everyone to enjoy a luncheon to share memories and stories of Alice following the service. A graveside service will follow the lunch at Ashton Cemetery.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Alice’s memory are suggested to be made to Compassus Hospice (111 E Davenport St, Suite 101, Rhinelander, WI 54501) in lieu of flowers. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage-Lyons Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com.