Alice Blair Obituary

A Celebration of Life service for Alice S. Blair, 101, Lawrence will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Private inurnment will be at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa.

Mrs. Blair passed away September 8, 2024 at the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

She was born December 20, 1922 in Ottawa, the daughter of Jacob Elwin and Drusilla Moses Shinn. She grew up in Ottawa and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1940. Alice attended Ottawa University 1940-42 and then completed her bachelor's degree at Kansas State University in 1944.

She was a Field Director for the Girl Scouts of America prior to her marriage to Donald Eugene Blair on April 12, 1950 in Ottawa. The couple lived in Lawrence until 1964, when they relocated to Emporia as owners and directors of the Blair Mortuary. In retirement, Don and Alice returned to Lawrence in 1990 and enjoyed re-establishing ties with friends and community interests.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Adeline Shinn Large; her son Jeffrey Alan Blair and her husband Don. Alice is survived by her daughter Karen Blair of Omaha; daughter-in-law Sandy H. Blair; grandchildren Adam H. Blair (Aimee Boer) and Kate L. Blair, and great granddaughter Eady.

Alice was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church for over 70 years. She was active in various organizations in both Lawrence and Emporia, including Altrusa International, D.A.R., Review Study Club, and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Alice served as president of Kansas State Chapter of P.E.O. 1983-84 and was a member of the following local P.E.O. chapters during her lifetime: AU Ottawa, EA Lawrence, ES Emporia, HY Emporia, and JJ Lawrence. She and Don especially loved serving as a host family for American Field Service and Rotary International. These experiences brought lasting friendships around the globe which continued throughout her life.

The family suggests memorials to Theatre Lawrence or Cottey College, sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.