Jan. 7, 1958 - Nov. 15, 2012

ELKHART - Alice M. Dutton, 54, of Elkhart, passed away at 8:20 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital, following a brief illness.

She was born on Jan. 7, 1958, in Elkhart, to James H. and Barbara A. "Barb" (Jacobson) Bowers.

She later married Randall R. "Randy" Dutton on Valentine's Day in 1981 in Elkhart. He survives at home.

Also surviving are her sons, Chris M. (Kristin) Dutton and Matthew R. (LeAnn) Dutton, both of Goshen; brothers James K. "Jim" (Dianne) Bowers of Elkhart and Robert H. "Bob" (David Feyesh) Bowers of South Bend; grandchildren Cole, Kaelyn and Ava Dutton, all of Goshen; and her father, James H. "Jim" Bowers of Elkhart.

Alice's mother, Barb, preceded her in death.

A celebration of Alice's life will be from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart, where a funeral will follow at 4 p.m. Pastor John Rausch of Goshen's Grace Community Church will officiate. In accordance with her wishes, Alice will then be cremated.

Alice worked for Hacienda Restaurants for nearly 18 years. She started as a hostess and over time she worked her way into management, serving as general manager for both the Elkhart and Goshen restaurants over the past 10 years. She was lovingly known as "Miss Alice" by her co-workers, who thought the world of her.

She was an extremely giving and loving person, and seemed to gather her strength by caring for others.

She loved to cook, and especially liked to prepare big meals for her family and friends. At Christmas, she would always make sure to prepare goodie packages for everyone she knew, and will be best remembered for her homemade rolls.

She enjoyed bowling and golf in her younger years, but never turned down a chance to go shopping or spend time with her family.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Alice to the Humane Society of Elkhart County or to Secret Sisters of Elkhart County (a breast health care support group) at 837 E. Cedar St., Suite 350, South Bend, IN 46617. Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Janet Parker, Whitehouse,, OH Bob.. Im so sorry to hear about your sister's passing. My condolences to you and your families. Glad to see you and Dave & spent a time over here for Thanksgiving dinner. Bless your heart.. Janet

Nancy Pletcher, Bristol, IN So sorry for your loss, your family has been through some difficult times recently. Phil and I send heartfelt prayers for you all.

sherry adkins and family, elkhart, IN my so sorry to hear of alices passing, i worked with her for 9 years at hacienda, and i just seen her about a month or so a go, my family and i send are deepest condolences.

Christopher Decker, Goshen, IN My heart and prayers go out to your family. My first job when I was 14 was as a cook at Hacienda and Alice was one of my bosses. She was respected and as stern as she needed, but she would sometimes surprise me by being lenient when I didn't deserve it. There was a motherly kindness to her that I always appreciated and will never forget. I am sorry that I was not able to pay my respects in person. She made a positive impression on my life that I am thankful for and will always remember. Peace be with you and your family.

Alexis Knudson, Elkhart, IN May God Bless Alice's family at this time. I had not seen Alice in many years, but have fond memories of our childhood. My prayers are with Randy and the rest of the family.

Brian Willis, Bloomsburg, PA My deepest condolences to Randy and the entire family.

Kellyn Roach, Elkhart, IN The loss of someone like Miss Alice is heart breaking. Such a hard worker and caring of others. By far the most courageous women I know... She will be missed by lots, but heaven is getting a blessing. In my heart and thoughts Alice and my condolences go out to her family and close friends.

JOAN TEDSTROM, Wildwood, FL I'm so sorry to learn of Alice's death. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Joan Tedstrom

Melissa Clark, Elkhart, IN I bowled and worked with Alice at Hacienda. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

McAllister Family, Elkhart, IN I truly miss the times our families use to spend together. I am at a loss of what to say. Alice and your entire family were always great friends even growing up as kids. She will be greatly missed. God Bless your whole family.

Tara Grant, Deltona, FL I worked with Miss Alice at the Elkhart hacienda. We grew very close in a short period of time. Alice was there for me to cry to when my Father passed away. She was not only a wonderful boss but a great friend. Alice always saw the good in people and will truly be missed. To all of her family this is a great loss to you but a tremendous gain to the Heavenly Father, because he only takes the good ones early. My prayers are with you all.

Judy Hoopingarner, New Paris, IN thoughts and prayers go out to Alices family. i worked for Alice for 4 yrs at the Goshen acienda she was a wonderful lady. i think everyone loved and respected her for the person she truely was god bless

Kathy Hostetler, Edwardsburg, MI I bowled with Alice for many years and she was always such a joy to be around. She loved her family with all her heart as she often talked about them. Her grandchildren were the love of her life. She will be missed by many in the bowling family. A life taken too soon. So sorry for her family's loss of a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, boss, and friend to many.

Debbie Lind, Elkhart, IN So sorry for your loss. Alice was a wonderful lady. She was the true definition of a lady/women and she will be missed. RIP Alice you with the angels now.

BILL FERRO, BARBOURVILLE, KY we are sorry for your loss are condolences to you and your family GOD BLES BILL FERRO AND FAMILY