Cloudy, 26° F
(Oct. 22, 1917 - Feb. 1, 2015)
Alyce M. Terry of Powell died of natural causes at the Powell Valley Care Center early Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. She was 97.
She was born Alyce Effie Moerkerke on Oct. 22, 1917, in Osborne, Mont. Alyce was the second of six children born to Morris and Julia Moerkerke, both emigrants from Belgium. She changed her legal name to Alyce Margaret Moerkerke at the time of her Catholic confirmation.
Alyce graduated as valedictorian of the Custer (Mont.) High School Class of 1936 and went on to Billings School of Cosmetology in 1939. She worked in a Billings hair salon for two years before traveling to Alameda, Calif., to marry Jim Terry, Sr., a high school sweetheart who was working as a welder in the shipyards.
They were married on March 21, 1942. Shortly thereafter, Jim was drafted, sent for training and soon deployed overseas. Alyce stayed in Alameda until Jim Jr. was born in January of 1943, then returned to Custer.
At the end of World War II, she moved back to Alameda to rejoin Jim Sr., where Julianne was born in 1947. The young family did not find the Alameda area suitable and eventually moved to Wyoming, settling in Powell in 1947 where Alyce was to live for the next 68 years. Daughter Linda was born in 1948, with Morris, Bill and Patrick joining the family in succeeding years.
In 1959, Jim was able to build Alyce a shop where she, and eventually son Bill, cut and styled hair for many Powellites. She entered styling competitions, winning three consecutive state titles and participated in national competitions.
In 1977, Alyce lost her 57-year-old husband, Jim Sr., to cancer. She and the family were devastated. Alyce focused attention on her work and clients to help her through this difficult period.
In 1988, she was able to build a new home on property adjoining the shop. While she continued her love for styling hair, the new home held an open, well-lighted space for a fresh interest in painting, and at 72, Alyce engaged a new passion. She enrolled in numerous art classes offered by Northwest College and became a skilled painter, giving her works as treasured gifts to family and friends.
The new yard also held space for a large garden where Alyce loved to spend warm days coaxing up huge mounds of vegetables. These were always given to unsuspecting visitors.
In 2009, a fall requiring hip replacement severely limited Alyce’s mobility, and eventually the loss prompted a move to the Heartland. As her health deteriorated, she transitioned to the Powell Valley Care Center where she resided until her death.
Alyce was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Isabel Bills, Colstrip, Mont., Frank Moerkerke, Billings, Albert Moerkerke, Hamilton, Mont., and Morris Moerkerke, Bridger, Mont; and grandson Ross Patrick Terry, Cody.
She is survived by her brother, George (Beverly) Moerkerke of Scottsdale, Ariz; her six children, Jim (Gail) Terry, Jr. of Cody, Julianne (Jim) Bonner of Casper, Linda (Jim) Bush of Red Lodge, Mont., Morris (Debbie) Terry of Powell, Bill Terry of Kane and Pat Terry of Cody; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
The celebration of Alyce’s life will be Saturday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Powell, with Rev. Glenn Whewell officiating. Rosary will be said Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Barbara’s. Cremation has taken place, and a private interment is planned. Arrangements are being handled by Thompson Funeral Home.
For those who wish, memorial donations to Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 992, Powell, WY 82435 would be appreciated by the family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Powell Valley Care Center for the kindness and compassion shown to Alyce. Father Glenn Whewell provided invaluable solace and support during a difficult time.
Tenacity, passion and acceptance were cornerstones of Alyce’s life.
