Alice Louise Litter

Alice Louise Shoemaker Litter, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 9, 2026. Her final days were spent like many others before, making pies and welcoming visitors to the home she lived in for 73 years. She was 104 years old. 

Born on January 17, 1922, in the village of Bourneville, Alice was the fifth of seven children born to Royal and Sadie Shoemaker. Raised during humble times, she grew up in a hardworking, faith-filled home where she learned the values that guided her throughout her remarkable life: love deeply, work diligently, serve faithfully, and always trust God. 

Alice often preferred outdoor chores over cooking and ironing as a young girl, and she carried that strong, spirited nature throughout her life. One of her earliest memories was the arrival of electricity in her family home, gathering with her siblings around a single glowing light bulb as her father screwed it in. 

In 1941, Alice married the love of her life, Paul Litter, in a small ceremony at her family home in Bourneville, officiated by Reverend John Crites. Their marriage was built on devotion, perseverance, faith, and partnership, and together, Alice and Paul raised nine children. Alice was a founding member and the oldest congregant of the Bourneville Christian Union Church, a church established with salvaged bridge timbers and unwavering faith. Her spiritual life was the anchor of everything she did. It is said she spent nearly 40,000 hours in prayer, faithfully lifting up her family, friends, church, and anyone in need. 

Known for her endless generosity and tireless work ethic, Alice devoted her life to caring for others. She was a homemaker in every sense of the word: cook, seamstress, gardener, nurse, teacher, referee, chauffeur, prayer warrior, and counselor. Her kitchen became the heart of the family, famous for peach pies, white chocolate cakes, raisin cookies, cinnamon rolls, soups, apple butter, and countless meals shared around crowded tables. Family members estimate she baked more than 25,000 pies and cakes over her lifetime, including some just days before her passing. 

Alice’s home was always open, and she welcomed visitors every day. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors, and friends knew they would find love, comfort, advice, and candy hidden away in cupboards and decorative jars. She loved flowers, birds, gardening, books, sports, church gatherings, regular visits from all of her children, long car rides with Laura, and hosting family celebrations. She loved nothing more than holding babies, and had a gentle, calming touch that could quiet even the fussiest cries. It became a rite of passage for anyone welcoming a new baby into the family to visit Grammy for a loving snuggle!

She was a witness to more than a century of history and could share vivid stories of many defining moments of the last 104 years. From the hardships of the Great Depression and the sacrifices of World War II to the Civil Rights Movement, to her own brother being sworn in as Ohio’s Lt Governor, to the tragedy of 9/11, and even a global pandemic, her memories offered a remarkable connection to the past.

Regardless of what was happening on the world’s stage, Alice’s greatest joy and sense of purpose was her family. In 1985, she lost her beloved husband, Paul, whom she cared for devotedly through a long illness. Also preceding her in death were her eldest son, Paul; daughters-in-law, Jan Litter and Beth Litter; son-in-law, George “Bud” Mark III; granddaughter, Crystal Mark; grandson, Benjamin Josiah Litter; and great-granddaughter, Alice Lloyd. She was the last surviving sibling of her brothers, Hester “Deck,” Myrl, Leroy, and Ralph Shoemaker, and her sisters, Mildred Compher and Ruth Crites.

Alice is survived by eight children, Sally Mark, Art (Ann "Tweed") Litter, Mark (Denise) Litter, Martin Litter, Molly (Byron) Lloyd, Laura Litter, Joe (Kim) Litter, and Pete Litter, and her daughter-in-law, Ann Litter. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren who will cherish her memory. Many descendants proudly carry her name, and her whole family will carry her traditions, her faith, and her unmistakable strength, ornery streak, and wit forward.

She was known for speaking honestly, loving fiercely, praying faithfully, and welcoming everyone with open arms. Whether tending her flowers, driving her mower a little too fast, crocheting blankets for those she loved, or sitting at her window overlooking Rt. 50 watching family come up the driveway, Alice created a life rooted in unconditional love and enduring faith. She would often pause and say with gratitude, “I’m so blessed.” Alice carried a quiet strength that never sought attention, yet deeply shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to be loved by her. Her life reminds us that true greatness is found in everyday faithfulness, in hard work done with love, in prayers whispered quietly, in meals shared around the table, in doors always left open, and in family held close.

Alice lived a life that influenced countless others through humility, resilience, hospitality, service, and unwavering devotion to God and family. Her memory will live on in every family gathering, every homemade pie, every shared prayer, and every act of kindness inspired by her example. In 2023, her great-grandson interviewed her for a podcast and asked, “How would you like to be remembered someday?” Alice’s reply, “I want to be remembered as a grandma who loved you. I think I’ve been a good mother, wife, and grandma. I have no desire to change anything in my life if I had the opportunity to do it again.” To listen to the full podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-10-a-chat-with-alice-litter-bourneville-centenarian/id1562613684?i=1000594564409

Alice treasured her collection of bells throughout the years, finding beauty and meaning in each one. Now, the gentle ringing of heaven’s bells has welcomed her home in peace after a life well lived. Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, May 23rd at 11 am in the Twin Township cemetery to celebrate Alice’s extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Food will be served immediately after at Alice’s home, 14701 US Route 50. All are welcome. In place of flowers, donations can be made to The Bridge @ Bourneville Christian Union Church in her memory: PO Box 96, Bourneville, Ohio 45617.

The Smith-Moore-Ebright Funeral Home of Bainbridge is serving the family.