Alice Gillum, of Arvin, California, passed away on June 24, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family. 

Alice was born on December 13, 1936, in Canadian, Oklahoma, to Thomas and Mary Armstrong. She graduated from Arvin High School and dedicated more than twenty years of service as an instructional aide with Arvin School District. She took great pride in her work and was especially devoted to the children she served. Her kindness, patience, and caring nature left a lasting impression on countless students and families.

Alice's greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved. Family gatherings, especially during the holidays, were among her happiest moments and created cherished memories that will be treasured for generations.

A woman of unwavering faith, Alice loved attending church, reading her Bible, crocheting, watching hummingbirds, and enjoying Friday lunches with her dear friends, affectionately known as the "Old Ladies Club." She was a faithful member of Senior at First Southern Baptist Church, where she helped ensure fellow seniors received groceries. During the last two years of her life, she became a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she felt welcomed, loved, and truly at home. She found great joy in praising the Lord and serving others through her church family. 

Alice is lovingly survived by her four daughters, Karen Frieson (Mike), Sandra Welch (Jim), Letha Benhardt, and Pat Owens (Tim); her nine grandchildren, Michael, Jamie, Liz, Tasha, Christopher, Sara, Stacy, Andrea, and Kyle; her ten great-grandchildren, Allison, Charlie, Logan, Cody, Hunter, Payton, Ethan, Hadley, Hudson, and Elijah; her sister-in-law, Charlotte Angeli; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jeff Gillum; her parents, Thomas and Mary Armstrong; her sister, Grace Kelley; and her son-in-law, Barry Benhardt.

A graveside service to celebrate Alice's life will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at South Kern Cemetery in Arvin, California.

Alice's gentle spirit, steadfast faith, generous heart, and unconditional love for her family will forever be remembered. Though she will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved her find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior.