Alice Byler Souder, 94, passed peacefully from this world to her eternal home on November 18, 2024, at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, in Harrisonburg, VA.

Alice was born February 5, 1930, in Pigeon, Michigan, the daughter of the late Jesse and Agnes Byler. Six of her sisters and one brother are deceased – Raymond Byler, Ruth Byler, Naomi Swartz, Lois Brubaker, Anna Mae Swartz, Grace Swartz, and Daisy Yoder. One sister from her large farm family survives, Arlene Gingerich.

Alice attended her last year of high school at Eastern Mennonite School in Harrisonburg, VA. After one year of studies at Eastern Mennonite College, she enrolled in a three-year nursing program at Saginaw (MI) General Hospital, graduating at the top of her class in 1952.

On August 23, 1952, she married Eugene Souder of Telford, PA. They enjoyed 70 years of married life, and together they made quite a team. Eugene died in June 2023.

Their family of four children are: Paul (Donna) Souder of Harrisonburg, VA; Ann (Antero) Rodriguez of Grottoes, VA; Mark (Brenda) Hartman-Souder of Syracuse, NY; and Miriam (Dean) Josten of Ventura, Iowa.
Their 12 grandchildren are: Laura (Aaron) Kauffman, Joanna (Clay) Showalter, Rebecca (David) Gish, James Souder, Eloy (Becky) Rodriguez, Jesse (Maria) Rodriguez, Katie Rodriguez, Valerie Hartman-Souder, Greg Hartman-Souder, Matthew Josten, Michael (Christy) Josten, and Luke (Ellen) Josten.They also have 18 great-grandchildren.

Alice’s life-motto scripture was: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him. And He will direct your paths.”

In 1955, Alice and Eugene’s path led them to Grottoes, VA, to help start Mount Vernon Mennonite Church. For the next 59 years, their small home in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains was an active center of hospitality, Christian service and loving family life.

Beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend to so many, Alice poured her creative energies into her family and community. She hosted countless meals around their table, typed hundreds of church bulletins as the volunteer church secretary, and was the bookkeeper and organized advisor for her husband’s house-building and publishing projects. She ably taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday school classes and led women’s Bible studies.

Alice served multiple years as an early organizer for the Fresh Air Children’s Fund that brought busloads of New York City children to spend several summer weeks with Shenandoah Valley families.

Bird-watching, creating quilts, crocheting afghans for each grandchild, baking cinnamon rolls and whole wheat bread, taking nature walks, gardening and reading were favorite activities.

In 2014 Alice and Eugene moved to Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Their love of music was shared by leading gospel sing-alongs with community residents and neighbors.

As she approached her 90th year, she compiled a booklet of childhood memories. And on the opening page she wrote, “O Lord, my Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love, presence and guidance in my life.”

Alice will be remembered for her gentle qualities of kindness and caring, a calm listening ear and a heart overflowing with love.

Her family is planning a Celebration of Life memorial service for a Saturday in early spring. The service will be held at Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, VA where she was a member.

Memorial gifts may be given to VMRC’s Compassion Fund, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.