Alice Mary Salinas

Alice Salinas passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Pioneer Manor of natural causes at the age of 96. Alice Mary (Gonzales) Salinas was born in Hebbronville, Texas on June 5, 1917 to Jim and Victoria (Almaraz) Gonzales; she was the fourth of ten children. Alice grew up in Hebbronville, helping her father run a dry goods store. At the age of 16 she met the love of her live, Abe Salinas, they were married on April 15, 1934. Their union lasted 62 years, when Abe passed away. In the early years of their marriage, Alice travelled with her husband to various states while he worked for Gulf Oil Company. When his crew disbanded in 1958, the family returned home to Texas. During this time, Alice was busy as a homemaker and mother raising their four children. Alice also decided to go back to beauty school in San Antonio, Texas, when work became hard to find for Abe. After completing beauty school the family moved to Wyoming in 1959, so that Abe could run a service station for Jack Adams. At this time, all but one of their children were grown. After getting the family settled, Alice went to work for Maude Lowery taking care of her hotels. While managing different hotels for Mrs. Lowery, Alice would bake and make candy at Christmas time, which she became known for and continued to make until she was 85. After years at the hotels, Alice worked at different Quick Shops for Gary Decker, and then she went to work at First National Bank where she worked until she was 74. Alice and her husband enjoyed bowling; she was a secretary for a couple of bowling leagues. She received the bowling Meritorious Service Award in 1991 and continued to bowl after her husband's passing in 1994. She also enjoyed sewing and making baby blankets for friends. She would also make different things to sell at the Senior Center bazaar. She was also on the Foundation Board for several years. She loved going to Deadwood, South Dakota and would sit for hours playing her pennies and nickels. She was a proud supporter of all her grandkids and followed them through their sports and growing up, later came the great-grandchildren which she supported as well. While living at Pioneer Manor, Alice looked forward to Mondays and Fridays when she could play Bingo. She also loved playing cards and scrabble with her family and friends. When she wasn't playing bingo or cards you would find her with her book of "Find a Word" which she was still doing at the time of her death. Alice is survived by her four children; Alice Grace (Faustino) Dimas of Austin, Texas; Abel Robert (Andree) Salinas of San Antonio, Texas; James Douglas (Irma) Salinas of Austin, Texas; and Susan Cargal of Gillette, Wyoming. Sister Vickie Cadena of San Antonio, Texas; Sisters-in-law Graciela Gonzales of Austin, Texas and Lucilla Gonzales of Crossville, Tennessee. Her grandchildren Denise and Andrew Dimas of Austin, Texas, Susie (Darrell) Cochran of San Antonio, Texas, Corrine (Juergen) Salinas-Jorg of Germany, Eric Salinas of San Antonio, Texas, James and Joey Salinas of Austin, Texas, Mike (Karen) Cook and Dustin (Brenda) Cargal of Gillette, Wyoming. Twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers; Jim, Rudy and Richard, sisters; Grace and June. Two sisters and one brother who died in infancy and son-in-law Don. Memorial has been established to benefit the Pioneer Manor, Alzheimer's Wing. Memorials and condolences can be sent to in Alice's name to Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website www.gillettememorialchapel.com. Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716