Alice Mae Brakke

Alice Mae Brakke, age 94, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024. She was born on January 9, 1930, to Forrester and Louise (Cornella) West in Spearfish, South Dakota.  Alice Mae was a devoted wife to her husband, RJ Brakke, for 52 years, and a loving mother to her two children, Ron Brakke and Jonna Brakke Dye. Alice Mae cherished her role as wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister. 

Family, whether by blood or by choice, was her heart's desire.  Her generosity knew no bounds with family, friends, and strangers alike. She was quick to share her faith and her love of Jesus with everyone. She gave freely and joyfully, including making banana bread and crocheted potholders for all her neighbors.  She was also known to disassemble bouquets she received so that she could share handfuls of flowers with others.  

Alice Mae grew up on a ranch east of Buffalo, South Dakota with her beloved sisters and brothers where she learned to ride, wrangle, and shoot at an early age.  Her mom also taught her the art of fine handcrafting, including sewing, knitting, embroidery and tatting. Her family members have all been grateful recipients of her talents and have items they will cherish forever.

Alice Mae was an avid reader and student throughout her life.  She graduated from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and went on to receive her master's degree in social work from the University of Nebraska in 1959. Alice Mae and her sisters had an especially close and loving relationship.  They lost their mother at a young age and supported each other emotionally and financially over the years, including taking time off from college to work to support each other's higher education.  Although social work was Alice Mae's chosen profession, her love of learning drew her back to education, and she spent most of her career teaching in small rural schools.  She loved her students and found joy in their achievements. 

On August 19, 1962, RJ and Alice Mae were married in Rapid City, SD.  They ranched and raised their children on Tie Creek in Montana, just west of Camp Crook, South Dakota.  Alice Mae was an adventurer and loved to go to new places, meet new people, and try new things, so when they retired, they moved frequently and enjoyed fixing up each property before moving to the next. 

Because of her Alzheimer's disease, Alice Mae lost the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to her environment.  However, during a visit shortly before her passing when her family sang to her, Alice Mae flashed her characteristic smile and whispered, Sweet!  May we all be so blessed as to have the word Sweet be the last one to pass our lips. 

Alice Mae is survived by her children Ron (Deanna) Brakke and Jonna Brakke (James) Dye, grandchildren Andrea (Al) Wayman, Cynthia (Clint) Arndt, Daniel Smeltzer, and Madison Greene. Great-grandchildren Chris Arndt, Sammy Arndt, Jakobe Smeltzer, and Alexander Wayman, sisters Evaline West and Mary Mooy, nieces Lynell (Wayne) Harlow, Fronna Patnoe, Diana Lyn West, Debbie Thompson, and Dalarie Lamphere, nephew Larrol (Robin) Parlin and cousin Kelly Doerr. 

She was proceeded in death by her husband RJ Brakke, parents Forrester and Louise West, brothers Herman (Lois) West and Richard West, sister Shirley (Bill) Parlin, great-grandson Ryder Smeltzer, nephews Lamar Parlin and Dick (Coty) West, nieces Leslie Joy, Delores Crawford, and Donna Giannonatti. 

Her generosity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to serving others leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her. A celebration of Alice Mae's life will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Camp Crook, South Dakota on August 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM with a luncheon to follow at the Camp Crook Methodist Church.  All are welcome.  Please join Alice Mae's family and friends to remember her and honor the sweet time we have had with her on this earth.