Alice M. Regehr, 87, went home to heaven on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, from Ascension Via Christi, St. Francis in Wichita. She was born to Erich and Frieda Penner on June 26, 1933, at Bethel Hospital in Newton, KS. On November 22, 1956, she married Ted Regehr in Whitewater, KS.
Alice graduated from Berean Academy in 1951. She spent her career being “Mom” to her six children, as well as caring for many local children through her home daycare business. She often commented that raising children was “the best job in the world!”. Upon her retirement, she worked as a receptionist for Broadway Colonial Funeral Home until age 85. She truly enjoyed the titles of Mother, Grandmother, and Friend to many.
Alice attended Newton Bible Church for more than 50 years and served in the church nursery, Sunday school, and on various social committees. She enjoyed visiting the homebound and lending a smile and a hand to anyone in need.
Alice is survived by her children: Vincent of Newton, Marilee (Chris) Marter of Monument, CO, Madella (Derek) Harrison of Wichita, Verlyn of Denver, CO, Darwin (Gretchen) of Alexandria, VA, and Marjean (Steve) Kindall of Grand Junction, CO; brothers Irvin (Marty) Penner, Marlin (Jan) Penner, and twin sister Gladys (Bernie) Regier, all of Wichita; sister-in-law Evelyn Penner of Whitewater; grandchildren Eric, Danica, Stephen, Isabel, Olivia, Ava, Lia, Annabelle and Ella, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Walter Penner.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, at Newton Bible Church in Newton, KS. Social distancing protocol will be followed. Please wear a mask for entry.
The family wishes to thank Newton Presbyterian Manor for the wonderful care given during the last few months of Mom’s life. Memorials are suggested to Newton Bible Church for the Nursery Fund (in care of Petersen Funeral Home).
My heartfelt prayers to your family. Marilee was in my class. I knew Vince thru work at hospital. Whenever I would see your mom at my garage sales, she always had a nice smile on her face & we would chit chat. Also remember her walking w/ all of her kids that she b-sat going down 1st street. She was a awesome lady & I will miss seeing her around town.?❤️
Alice babysat both of our boys when they were little. She was so relaxed with them and they loved going to her house. I appreciated that she baked with them, went on lots of walks, and just let them be kids. She was a very special lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
Vince and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for the loss of your mother. I know you really cared for her. I remember seeing you with her at various places together. She was very fond of you.
May all your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort.
I worked with Alice at BCFH for about 3 1/2 years while I was in high school. She was always a sweet and loving women. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Alice was one of the first persons I met when starting NBC. She was always dressed elegantly, and made me her friend right away, that made me feel welcome. She lived just blocks away from us and I’d drop over to see her and there was always lots of things to discuss. Even during this pandemic it was her who made the phones calls and we chatted. We had things in common, she gave me some pictures, I’m excited to see her again in the not so far away future!
she was always dressed elegantly at Church
Your mother was a very kind,and friendly person. Always smiling and saying hello. Thinking of the family at this time.
It has been our joy to know Alice. Our children, Robyn and Ryan were part-timers with Alice. We were always amazed at her skills with children, especially getting them to nap or have quiet time in the afternoons. Her personality was filled with love and we appreciated her so much, not only as a caregiver for children but also as a beautiful person.
Blessings to your family as you move forward….
I had the privilege of working with your parents and had some of you kids in my SS class in my early years at Newton Bible. I pray His comfort and guidance to each of you as we look to meeting in Glory.