In Loving Memory of Alpha Ramona Chavez Lechelt ("Alphie")

Alpha Ramona Chavez Lechelt, lovingly known as Alphie, was a beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch of her family. She passed away peacefully on January 24, at 10:00 a.m., surrounded by love. She was born on December 5, 1929, and lived a life marked by devotion, generosity, and (not so quiet) strength.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, the love of her life and sparring partner, Marvin John Lechelt, and her son, Wayne Lechelt.

She was the proud mother of seven children, in birth order: Lucille (Joseph), Randy (Marlene), Wayne (Jeanne), Cort (Glennda), Anita (Van), Victoria, and Babette (Frank).

She also lovingly welcomed into her family her foster daughter's Gail Taylor (Tom) and Donna Sytsma (Gary), who brought her immeasurable joy later in life.

She is survived by her children, their spouses, 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who were blessed by her presence.

A lifelong hard worker, Alphie was known for her resilience and her ability to make something out of nothing. Her kitchen was always open, her table always full, and her food legendary among family and friends. She had a special gift for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals, and for making everyone who entered her home feel welcomed and cared for.

She loved yard sales, treasure-hunting for antiques, collectibles, and hidden gems, and took great joy in finding beauty and value in unexpected places.

Alphie was feisty, strong-willed, and never afraid to speak her mind. She had a sharp wit, a big personality, and a way of telling it like it was — always with heart, and often with humor. Those who knew her well will forever remember her honesty, her spark, and her unmistakable presence.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted Christian, she lived her beliefs through kindness, service, and steadfast love for others. She found comfort and strength in gospel music and the promises of eternal life.

She also carried a quiet but powerful love for running and athletics, and was deeply inspired when Title IX passed, opening doors to pursue sports and dreams that had once been out of reach to women her age. From a young age, she admired Babe Zaharias, her childhood idol, whose strength and fearlessness left a lasting impression on her. As a result, she became known in her town for racing trains, often scaring the engineers with her skill and daring. She had a genuine interest in health and longevity, always curious about ways to care for the body and live well, and was well known for her daily ritual of drinking barley juice, which became part of her signature approach to life.

Above all, Alphie will be remembered for her open heart, her tireless spirit, her curiosity, her fire, and the way she loved her family without condition.

As the old gospel hymn says, "There is a land of pure delight, where saints immortal reign… In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore." We take comfort in believing she has now reached that shore, reunited with her beloved Marvin and her son Wayne, and that her love will continue to live on in all of us.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.