| Remembering Alice Carroll West We would like to remember and honor Alice Carroll West, a former employee of the chamber and member of our civic community. We would like to remember and honor Alice Carroll West, a former employee of the chamber and member of our civic community. Alice Carroll (Flower) West, 76, of Benton, IL passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, IL. She was born in Christopher, IL on June 9, 1940, the daughter of Orville & Callie (Brown) Flower. She married Billy Gene West on January 24, 1955. They were married 53 years until he passed away on March 3, 2008, with the day of Alice's passing marking their 62nd wedding anniversary. Together they travelled the world as Billy served his country in the USAF. Alice worked as the secretary of the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce for six years and as Supervisor of the Rend Lake Tourist Information Center for 24 years. She loved both these positions because they allowed her to work with many community members and thousands of tourists passing through the area. She received numerous awards for her community service. They include Chamber Person of the Year in 1983, WMCL Community Service Award, Benton Area War Memorial Community Service and Dedication Award, Rend Lake Army Corps of Engineers for Outstanding Volunteer Service, and Certificate of Appreciation from the Southern Illinois Tourism Council where she served on the Board of Directors for 17 years. Alice received three different Certificates of Recognition as Ambassador of Illinois Tourism. She was appointed to serve on the DuQuoin State Fair Advisory Board by Gov. Jim Edgar. Alice was co-founder and Secretary/Treasurer of the Benton Area War Memorial Committee which was very dear to her heart. She researched tirelessly to ensure all the veteran's names were properly listed on the memorial. She often said how sad it was to read letters from family members who wanted to make sure their loved one's name was placed on the memorial. She served on the July 4th Fireworks Festival committee from 1984-1987 as well as Chairman of the Rend Lake Water Festival Parade in 1984 and 1985. She was Chairman of the 1st Annual Rend Lake Flea Market and Chairman of the 1st Annual Gospel Music Fest in the 1980's. Alice also co-founded and served as President of Rend Lake Promotions, which brought much recognition and tourism to Rend Lake and the surrounding communities, from 1988-1990. Alice is survived by her Daughter: Carol Jean West Sluzevich and husband Dave of Shiloh, IL; Son: Christopher (Chris) West of Blue Mountain, MS, fiancee`Marcia McCalmon, her son and daughter-in-law, Forrest and Shelby, and their daughter, Olivia; Granddaughter: Ginny (Herrndobler) Phillips and husband Brandon of O'Fallon, IL and their children: Landon and Callie; Granddaughter: Kristina (Herrndobler) Coleman and husband Justin of St. Louis, MO and their children: Journey and Julia; Sister-in-Law: Margie Flowers of Manchester, TN; Brothers-in-Law: Jerry (Butch) West of Lincoln, IL and Ray Steckenrider of NC; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother Gene Flowers and his wife Jackie; brother Paul Flowers; sister Virginia Steckenrider and her baby son, Gary Ray; brother/sister-in-law William and Lola Mae Adams; and sister-in-law Jeanette West. Services will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL, with visitation on Friday, January 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and funeral services on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Noah Oldham officiating. Graveside services will follow in Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Published: 01/25/17 |