Alice (Blair) Brown

Alice (Blair) Brown, 90, of Winterset, passed away peacefully Jan. 3, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

Alice was born July 26, 1935, in Bayard, the daughter of Alvin Robert and Alta Emily (Brown) Cameron. Her family lived in the Scranton area until they moved to the Patterson area when Alice was in junior high. Alice graduated as valedictorian from Patterson High School in 1953. Following high school, she worked at Northwestern Bell in Des Moines before continuing her education at Creston Community College.

Alice was united in marriage to Lee W. Blair in Patterson. She dedicated 24 years of her professional life as office manager at several Ford dealerships in Winterset. Alice was in the top 2% of all of the Ford bookkeepers and the Ford Motor Company hired her as an independent consultant for several additional years. After 42 years of marriage, Lee passed unexpectedly on March 11, 1998.

On April 20, 2002, Alice married Delmer Brown in Macksburg. They resided in Creston for 18 years. Delmer preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 2020.

Alice was actively involved in her community throughout her life. She was a leader of the Grand River Go-Getters 4-H Club, secretary at the United Methodist Church in Macksburg, a member of Hawthorne Rebekah Lodge, Needle Craft Club, Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women), Creston Lions Club, Lincoln Neighbors, and she enjoyed quilting, sewing, embroidery, camping with “Sam’s Camping Club,” reading, walking and cake decorating. She was widely known for her exceptional cooking — especially her famous chocolate chip cookies and hot fudge sauce.

Alice worked as the recorder for 19 years at the Iowa State Fair in the Floriculture Department in the Agricultural Building, a role she cherished. She was deeply involved in community fundraisers and was a strong leader in every endeavor she undertook.

Above all else, Alice fiercely loved her family. She attended countless activities for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, regardless of weather or season. She enjoyed fishing with the children as they were growing up, picnicking, family gatherings and creating lasting memories with those she loved most.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Lee W. Blair and Delmer Brown; grandchildren: David Blair, Dallas Blair and Mamie Blair; her brother Elmer (Shirley) Cameron; sisters, Mary (Richard) McConnelee and Esther Lucille Cameron and brothers-in-law, Merle Blair and Charles (Margaret) Blair.

She is survived by her children: Barb Blair, Darrell (Carolyn) Blair and Kevin (Donna) Blair; stepdaughter Linda (Craig) Busch; grandchildren: Brooke (Shawn) Wirtz, April (Tyrel) Garey and Kasie (Cory) Kiddoo; bonus grandchildren: Kristina (Alan) Benshoof, Josh Kraack, Todd (Lynette) Busch, Scott (Kelly) Busch, Curtis (Kamy) Busch and Melissa Wolken; 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Ora Austin and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Winterset Chapel. The Funeral Service will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Macksburg United Methodist Church in Macksburg. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in Moon Cemetery. A luncheon will be held following the burial at Macksburg United Methodist Church.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Suncrest Hospice for the kind, caring and compassionate care they gave Alice the last two months. The family cannot thank them enough for their extraordinary services.

Memorials are suggested to the Moon Cemetery in Macksburg, Lions Club of Creston or to the family for designation at a future date.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.