Alice A. Chitwood

Alice Anne Chitwood

nee’ Mullen

Alice passed away on Monday, January 25^th, 2016 at her home in Chandler, AZ.  She was born to Myrtle and Ray Mullen on June 28^th, 1934 in Champaign, IL.    She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 53 years, Richard, her sister Patti Bulicek, great-niece Krystal Marie Mullen and sister-in-law Mary Mullen.

Alice was the oldest of four siblings. In 1951 she moved with her family from Illinois to Arizona.  Alice attended Chandler HS for her senior year and after graduation worked for Montgomery Wards in Phoenix.  She attended ASC for two years and in June, 1954 met the love of her life, Richard Chitwood who was serving in the USAF at William’s AB.  They married in November 1954 in St Mary’s Catholic Church in Chandler.  Richard’s assignments took Alice and him to California, Guam and Nebraska before settling down in Chandler in 1962 where they made their permanent home.

After returning to Chandler, Alice worked at Williams AB for a number of years and was an active member of St Mary’s Parish. Alice, Richard and their camper enjoyed discovering many of the nooks and crannies of Arizona.  After retirement they traveled further afield enjoying the national parks of the western US and visiting far-flung family members.  After Richard’s death and her declining health, Alice remained close to home caring for her two cats and providing a safe haven for many stray cats.  She became known as the “cat lady” of the neighborhood.

Alice is survived by brother Ron Mullen of Tempe and sister Ramonda Huff (Tony) of Puyallup, WA, brother-in-law Bill Bulicek of Lakeside AZ, sisters-in-law Virginia Andrews (Bob) and Marge Stefanelli both of Woodburn OR and assorted nieces & nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews and many cousins.

It is with great sadness that we lose one so loved. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Alice’s cousin Beth and neighbors Lana, Marcella, Joyce, Jannetta and others who provided special love and care particularly in recent times.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alice’s name to St Vincent de Paul Society in Chandler.   In celebration of Alice’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, February 15^th at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.