Alice E. Lindburg

Alice Victory Elfers Lindburg was born after a difficult pregnancy and delivery. Her mother was not aware that she had been carrying twins and one of the twins had died during the pregnancy. In honor of Alice’s survival, she was given the middle name ‘Victory’. Even beyond the miracle of her birth, ‘Victory’ truly describes each chapter of Alice’s long and meaningful life. Her story is full of love, faith, and dedication. 

Alice was the youngest of 6 children born and raised on a ranch west of Ronan, MT. Her parents were Herbert and Mary Elfers. Her siblings were Paul Elfers, Natalie Scheele, Doris Mayer, Evelyn Hein, and Laverne Elfers. Raised in the depression, Alice learned to be thrifty, savvy and thankful. She graduated from Ronan High School, and then studied at Whitworth College before transferring to MSU. There she received her Master’s Degree in Textiles and became an accomplished seamstress. She went on to teach Home Economics, Chemistry, and other subjects at Missoula and Charlo High Schools.

On April 8, 1951, after multiple proposals, Calvin Lindburg married the love of his life. After Calvin finished serving in the Army, they lived in Missoula where Calvin completed Pharmacy School. During this time, they helped start the Missoula Alliance Church. In 1959 they moved back to Ronan and established ‘Lindburg Drug’. Calvin and Alice worked faithfully in their Drug Store with hearts that were eager to serve the Ronan Community.

Alice was a judge for many sewing competitions in the valley, and an avid flower gardener. Her Garden was once featured on a Parade of Gardens tour. However, her greatest passion was teaching Bible Studies. For decades she led studies in Missoula, Moise, and Ronan, teaching even into her 90’s! She loved The Word and was a gifted teacher impacting many lives. She was passionate about helping anyone who wanted to seek and know Jesus. She would get up early on Sunday mornings to provide transportation for children who needed a ride to attend church. She discipled many on a one-to-one basis and served Ronan Alliance Church (Terrace Lake Community) as a Teacher, VBS Coordinator, and Soloist. She also hosted Missionaries and church events in her home.

Alice was an exceptional Mother, continually helping her children in sacrificial ways. When her daughter MerriLee had cancer, Alice dropped everything to live in Canada for six months to help care for her grandchildren, toddler Jerilyn and baby Victoria, while MerriLee began treatments. 

Many define Alice’s greatest legacy as Wisdom. Her discerning and Godly counsel was frequently sought out. Her son-in-law, Jeff, referred to her as “the rock of our family.” A constant theme was that love is the greatest guide to victorious living. In fact, Love is the greatest thing there is. She would say: “When you have loved all you can, love all the more”. She continually reminded us that Jesus is worthy of our trust, our worship, and our obedience.

Alice always dreamed of seeing Jesus face to face. On September 9, 2024, at the age of 98, her dream came true. 

Alice was preceded in death by all her siblings, and her husband. She is survived by her children Jonathan (and Shirley) Lindburg, MerriLee (and Jeff) Valentine, Robin (and Herb) Wilcox. Grandchildren: David (and Julie) Lindburg, MerriLee Lindburg, Steven Lindburg, Jerilyn (and Connor) Wilson, Victoria (and John) Callahan, Olivia (and Thomas) Sexton, Ken (and Kaity) Wilcox and Peter (and Sabrina) Wilcox. Great Grandchildren: Bradley and Teaghen Wilcox, Sawyer Wilcox, Liam Wilson and soon to arrive Baby Girl Callahan.

A Memorial Service will be held at Terrace Lake Community Church, Ronan, MT at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2024.