Alice Loretta "Keith" Collier

Alice Loretta "Keith" Collier, age 72, of Hot Springs, died December 7, 2014. Alice was born on February 15, 1942, the daughter of Marvin Keith and Ruby Thomason Keith. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother: Millard Keith; one sister: Blanche Broadbent; three brothers-in-law: Arthur Broadbent, Franklin Collier, and Vernon Collier; and two sisters-in-law: Carletta Keith and Linda Collier. On August 26, 1962, she was married to Martin Collier. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hot Springs. She received her B.A of Education from Ouachita Baptist University, and then went on to receive her Master's from Arkansas State University. She taught for thirty-one years, beginning at Augusta Elementary School, next taught at Southside Elementary in Batesville, and then in 1979 began teaching at Lake Hamilton until her retirement. She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, Martin Collier of Hot Springs; one son and daughter-in-law, James M. and Donna M. Collier of Loveland, Colorado; one daughter and son-in-law, Alison G. and Mike G. Fendley of Hot Springs; six grandchildren and their spouses, Cody J. and Katherine Collier, Laura and Seth Maestas, Cammi Collier, Seth Fendley, Abby Fendley, and Wyatt Fendley; three great-grandchildren, Kenley Maestas, Kadence Maestas, and Starlynn Peterson; and one sister-in-law, Margaret Collier, and also numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. She was a loving and highly-valued wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, aunt, great-aunt, and teacher. A great accomplishment and beautiful celebration in her life was she and Martin's 50th wedding anniversary and renewal of their wedding vows, in August 2012. She greatly valued time with her family members, and loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are comforted to know that she spent her last day having a great time with some of them. She was also anxiously looking forward to the birth of her third great-grandchild. She loved it when the family all came together for holidays, weddings, and other occasions. She treasured good times and travels with her constant companion; her husband. Alice was always thinking of others. Even when shopping for herself, more often than not she wound up buying gifts for others instead. She enjoyed keeping up with her classmates and helping with reunions and lunches. Alice was a great conversationalist, eager to share her own stories and asking others about theirs. She purposefully put special touches on celebrations as well as everyday occasions Teaching and reading were Alice's passions. She was an excellent and dedicated reading teacher and kept notes and ideas on phonics strategies in order to one day write a book. She was inspired by the book Little Women to be called "Marmee" as a grandmother. Alice also enjoyed music, cooking, and special performances such as Branson shows. She enjoyed pleasant photography and pictures of God's creation, whether they were of oceans, beaches, mountains, or family members. Her legacy here on Earth will continue; for she played not a small, not a medium, but an enormous role in so many lives. Alice will surely be among those that will hear the words, "Well done thy good and faithful servant". Services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2014, at 10 a.m. in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Hot Springs with Bro. John McCallum officiating. Visitation will be held at Davis-Smith Funeral Home in Hot Springs on Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Friday at 3 p.m. at Augusta Memorial Park, Augusta, Arkansas. Following will be a gathering at the home of Margaret Collier. Pallbearers will be Seth Fendley, Cody J. Collier, Seth Maestas, Richie Broadbent, Charlie Broadbent, David Keith, and David Shilling. Honorary pallbearer is Clyde F. Collier. In lieu of flowers, donation memorials can be made to Family Life Ministries or Compassion International. Please contact the family for more information. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.