Alice Best

Alice Best was born on October 10, 1936 in Albuquerque, NM. The last child and only girl born to George and Alice Stevens, they called her "little" Alice and she grew up with three loving and very protective brothers. Her mother, also Alice, was a wise and dedicated mother and they had an unbreakable bond that she cherished until the day she died. They lived on a ranch in Reserve, NM until Alice was 5 when they moved their family to Albuquerque. Alice's three older brothers, George, Ricky and Gordon kept a close eye on their little sister and were a loving and consistent presence in her life. Alice attended 1st grade when she was only five years old and she graduated from St. Mary's at the young age of 16. She began working at the Sunshine Theater when she was 13 and upon her high school graduation she attended the University of NM until her 18th birthday. On that auspicious occasion her older brother Ricky personally escorted her to Sandia National Laboratories to take the testing necessary for employment. She passed the exams easily on the first try and was immediately hired on at Sandia as the youngest employee ever hired at the time.

She married Don Best on October 1, 1955 and thus began her long and happy family life. Alice continued working at Sandia while Don served four years in the Navy. Upon the birth of their first child, Donnie, she left her beloved job and dedicated her life to her husband and children. They had two more children, Cindy and Chris, and Alice delighted in raising her family in Albuquerque. Like her mother, Alice was kind, wise and savvy. You could always count on her opinion or advice to be honest and sound.

Eventually Don and Alice opened an automotive repair shop and aptly called it "Best Automotive". They operated the shop until they sold the business and retired later in life.

They eventually had three grandchildren and Alice lavished love, time and attention on them. There was never a swim meet or other activity that Alice wasn't front and present, cheering and making a scene as she was wont to do.

Alice had a very funny and exuberant personality and was known to say whatever popped into her head. A great sense of humor coupled with a quick wit made her popular everywhere she went. In her later years, she was known to dress very snappy, usually with a newsboy hat perched upon her head. When out and about there was rarely an occasion when at least one person would stop her and comment on how adorable she looked. Her response was always the same, "Yes, my daughter dresses me like a teenager". Although she always made it a joke, she absolutely loved the attention since she was a consummate people person. If there was one penny for every time her children heard the comment of: "your mother is adorable", or "I just LOVE your mother", we would have a stack of pennies a mile high.

As is the way of life, Alice also suffered tragedy. Her youngest child, Chris, died on January 23, 2015 from sudden death syndrome, plunging the family into despair. While shaken to her core, Alice relied on her devout faith and continued on for her family and loved ones. She was always thankful for all the time she spent with her family. One of her favorite activities was to go on a "girls trip" with her two daughters, which they did quite often, making beautiful memories for all of them to enjoy. After the death of Chris, Alice and Cindy continued this tradition, and Alice was able to travel the world during her last few years. Truly, she lived and enjoyed the whole circle of life.

As the final act of a full life, Alice was working with her daughter Cindy, niece Chellie, and writer Chloe Rachel Gallaway, on the story of her famous grandfather, Montague Sheffield Stevens. Montague, a direct descendant of Buckingham Palace, was a Cambridge graduate who left everything behind to come to NM and pursue ranching and big game hunting. Unfortunately, she left this earth before the book could be published, but her voice can be heard through her input and memories. Although no longer here, she will leave her mark upon all that knew and loved her.

Alice was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Beatrice Stevens and her father, George Richard Stevens; her brothers George Stevens and Gordon Stevens, and her daughter Chris Best. She is survived by her son, Donnie Best and his wife Pathira Best, her daughter Cindy Beall and her husband Troy Beall, grandchildren Brittany Beall, Clinton Beall and Donovan Best; and great grandchildren Alice Tyler, Olivia Beall and Logan Beall.

The world will be a different place without the joy that Alice brought to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and forever loved and cherished. A Celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas followed by a Mass on Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at the Shrine of St.Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd NE.87112. She will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven of Cemetery.