Alice Asbjornson

As told by his sister, Charlotte Kirby

Alice Asbjornson was on her way home from a basketball game in February of 1960. She and her friend, Bea Arthur, were with Bea's brother, Jim and his friend. The girls were riding in the back seat.

A man from Roy, MT, was drinking and driving on the wrong side of the road. Jim switched lanes, trying to avoid him, but the man jerked the car back and hit them head on. Bea put her legs up but Alice used her arms to try to protect herself and sustained head injuries. The accident occurred half a mile south of the Sunset Memorial Cemetery; about five miles north of Lewistown.

Alice's parents flew to St. Joseph's Hospital in Lewistown from Winifred with Boots Asbjornson, Alice's uncle. They could not get Alice to Great Falls in time, so a regular doctor in Lewistown did the surgery. He had to operate on Alice while talking with a neurosurgeon on the phone. Alice died before her parents and her uncle could reach her side.

Alice's friend, Bea, wrote the following piece for Alice's funeral:

Alice lived sixteen fun filled years, And departed a teenager. Having a good time was her daily goal, Making friends was her life's major role.

Alice was a devoted friend, So lovable and sweet, Just being near her was an incomparable treat.

Having lived and loved variety, She had a longing to travel and roam, She merely changed her mind And decided to go home.

A beautiful voice, had Alice She did justice to any song And now that she's in Heaven To the highest choir, she must surely belong.

No one could be more missed than Alice As she was loved by all, But being the kind of person she was, Without a hesitation, she answered to His call.

1943 -1960