Alice K. Dalton

Alice Kathryn Dalton passed away peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, January 21, 2018, after losing her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born August 3, 1945, in Des Moines, IA, Alice was the loving daughter of the late August and Alice Gruening. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1963. On September 3, 1966, she was united in marriage to Larry Dalton. They welcomed four children: Kelli Ann, Kimberly Kay, Tracey Lynn and Rodney Lee. In her younger years, Alice stayed home and raised her children. In 1994, she went to work for GuideOne Insurance, a job she enjoyed until her retirement. She was an avid walker, who you may have spotted walking at Gray’s Lake Park or in her neighborhood. Just eight short years ago she completed her first half marathon. Her proudest achievement was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who centered her life around her loved ones. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her daughters, shopping for a bargain, sipping a margarita or attending one of her grandkids’ many activities. Alice will be deeply missed by her family, including her daughters: Kelli Dalton of Phoenix, AZ; Kimberly (Todd) Thompson of Ankeny, IA; and Tracey (Tony) Stelpflug of Urbandale, IA; her eight grandchildren: Alexandra Dalton, Rylee Thompson, Jake Thompson, Dalton Stelpflug, Matthew Thompson, AJ Stelpflug, Gabriella Macera and Johnny Stelpflug; her sister and best friend, Cindy Ronan (Mark Toland); her brothers, John (Judy) Gruening, Tom (Cheri) Gruening, and Mike (Kathy) Gruening; her nieces, nephews, friends and her special friend, Roy Winger. Loving, sweet, kind, considerate and unselfish are just a few words to describe this wonderful lady. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Rodney Dalton; her granddaughter, Morgan Zeller; and her niece, Kari Ronan. Alice’s family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Woodlands Creek and Silvercrest for the heartfelt and compassionate care they showed to Alice from the moment she walked through their doors. She was treated with grace and dignity, and this spilled over to her family as well in the last weeks, days and hours of her life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, IA. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Silvercrest at the Woodlands for the family to donate a memorial in Alice’s name.