Alice Matthes Stoppa, 93, of Capon Bridge, WV, (where she lived with her son, Thomas Matthes) went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday April 17, 2012 surrounded by her family.Alice was born in Alpena, MI March 17, 1919 to Charles and Anes (Pallatsch) Kollien.  She moved to Jackson to be near her son, John Matthes.  After John’s death on June 2, 2007 she moved to West Virginia to live with her son Thomas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Matthes, her second husband, Ralph Stoppa, her beloved son, John Matthes and two brothers; Alfred Kollien, age 2, and Victor Kollien.  Surviving are a son, Thomas (Anne) Matthes, two step-sons, Vernon (Bette) Stoppa of Traverse City, MI , Terry (Kay) Stoppa of Havre, MT, a daughter-in-law; Mary Beth Matthes of Jackson, MI,  sisters-in-law; Dolores Kollien, Madeline Matthes, Irene Smigelski, Theresa Stoppa,   Dolores Stoppa , a brother-in-law, David (Larna) Stoppa of Alpena, 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren,  1 great-great grand and several nieces and nephews.
She was a partner, with her husband, Donald, in Don’s Food Market and the Cap and Bottle Store.   In 1969 they sold the business and she was employed by the Alpena Housing Commission for six years prior to her retirement.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, past president of Alpena Women’s Civic League, past president of the Alpena Girl’s Club, organized and taught at Alpena General Hospital for five years, a former member of the Alpena Zonta Club, a first      of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Chapter Class of Arthur Fivenson United Commercial Traders, served on the American Red Cross Board in Alpena, Board of Directors of the American Heart Information Center, a former member of the Alpena General Hospital Auxiliary, member of the Tray Club and the Eagles Auxiliary.  She also helped organize Women of the Church at St. Paul Lutheran Church, a Den Mother of the cub scouts, and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jackson, MI.
Alice Matthes Stoppa is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends and family will gather on Tuesday from 5:00-8:00 pm and on Wednesday April 25, 2012 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am with Rev. Tom Orth and Rev. Leslie Nye officiating.  Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1305 W. Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49202.  Please visit Alice’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or sign the on-line guest book.