Obituary - Alice Whitesel, wife of Lion Ron Whitesel, Greene Township Lions Club

[PDG Paul Russell]

Alice M. (Emerson) Whitesel

January 20, 1943 ~ May 12, 2026 (age 83)

Alice Marie Emerson Whitesel, 83, of South Bend, Indiana, died on Tuesday May 12th, 2026, from Multiple Myeloma.  She passed away peacefully at home.  She was born on January 20, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Clayton and Elizabeth (Sherlock) Emerson, while her father was serving in combat in Europe during WWII. She and Ronald G. Whitesel were united in marriage on November 27, 1965, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Bend. Ron survives his beloved wife of 60 years.

Along with her husband Ron, Alice is survived by son David Whitesel of South Bend, IN, and Dean (Michelle) Whitesel of Brighton, Michigan; six wonderful grandchildren Allison Whitesel (Nathan Padd) of South Bend, Marissa Whitesel of Brighton, MI, Madison Whitesel of Brighton, MI, Jack Whitesel of Brighton, MI, Chelsea Crowley (Derek) of Sun City, FL, and Chad Douglas (Gabriella Miceli) of Riverview, FL;  three beautiful great-grandchildren Aurora Whitesel, Cassandra Padd, and Liam Crowley.  She is also survived by sister and best friend JoAnn Jordan of Mishawaka, IN, and brother Robert (Nona) of Osceola, IN.  In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton (Bud) and Elizabeth (Betty) Emerson, a sister Linda DeLaruelle, and brother-in-law Ed Jordan. 

Alice spent her early years being the tomboy she claimed to be, and where she was the best older sister for JoAnn.  These years growing up together, so close in age, set the groundwork for two of the closest siblings you will ever find.  These were times when life was idyllic and safe.  Alice and JoAnn would roam freely enjoying life and games with neighborhood friends until dinner or dark.  Dad worked, and Mom was the homemaker, and life was great! 

Alice graduated from Holy Cross Grade School, Central High School, and Keypunch school.  She started her career at Tucker Fright Lines in the early 60s where she was a part of a group of women that help to bring in the Teamsters Union for the benefit of all the workers.  After having children, she went on to a long career as a financial bookkeeper at Markmakers Inc, a new and upcoming advertising agency in the heart of South Bend.

The story of their 60-year marriage began with a chance encounter at a local bowling alley, where Alice first caught Ron’s eye while she was out enjoying an evening with her girlfriends. What started as a happenstance meeting blossomed into the relationship of a lifetime.

After getting married, Alice was involved in countless activities as wife and mother.  Some of them included being a den mother to Cub Scout Pack 316 (3rd/4th grade boys);  a member of Greene Acres Homemaker’s Association in Greene Township; numerous volunteering and fund raising events at St Mary’s Church; a volunteer at Washington High School’s guidance office, and a 6 year soccer mom for the Washington HS varsity team, supplying gatorade etc. while never missing a game, home or away.  She supported Ron in the Greene Township Lions Club fund raisers like the Strawberry Festival etc. No matter how busy her life was, she maintained and enjoyed her lawn and flowerbeds.  She had a green thumb and had the most beautiful flowers gracing their home property.  She also loved getting together with her life long friends Liz, DJ, and Sharon (the original girls from the night she met Ron) for their monthly “Card Club” as they affectionately called it.

Alice was the best homemaker, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and great-aunt around.  She opened her heart and home to any child.   Every niece and nephew at some time in their lives were babysat by Aunt Alice. She had deep love and affection in her eyes, voice, and in her very being.  Her nurturing heart created a loving peace-filled environment for any child under her care.  Alice was truly selfless and always put her children and everyone else in her life first.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dujarie House Rehab Notre Dame, IN, and Elara Caring Hospice for their care and dedication.  We would also like to thank Alice’s granddaughter Allison, and daughter-in-law Michelle for tirelessly tending to Alice’s final days.  God bless you both.

Viewing and visitation for Alice will be on Saturday May 16th, 2026, from 10:30 am to 1pm, with a service beginning at 1pm.  These will be held at Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN. 

Burial will be held at a later date at Sumption Prairie Cemetery South Bend, IN.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ronald McDonald House which supports families with children receiving care at Beacon Health at RMHC Michiana, 610 N. Michigan St., Suite 310, South Bend, IN 46601 or online at rmhcmichiana.org

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.