Alice Carlough Ollestad was born on May 16, 1920, in Seldovia, Alaska to Tollak and Lucille Ollestad. She graduated from Seldovia High School in 1938. She lived in Seldovia, Alaska from 1920 – 1961.
In 1938 Alyce married Frederick Oscar Monson and together they had six children. They later divorced and Alyce and Howard Carlough were married December 18, 1954. They celebrated almost 50 years of marriage before her death in 2004.
She alternated residences between Dutch Harbor, Alaska and Washington for 31 years, of which she spent 10 years crab fishing with her husband. She resided in Washington thereafter.
She loved the ocean and the outdoors. She was a graceful dancer, enjoyed music, singing, and playing the piano. Her favorite pastimes included playing bingo and black jack, reading about current events, crossword puzzles, and combing the beaches of Alaska for driftwood and artifacts. She loved all wildlife and flora. During her last years she enjoyed watching squirrels, birds, and other wildlife from her living room.
Alyce died at home in Tumwater, Washington on October 21, 2004 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. She was well cared for during her illness by her devoted husband, Howard Carlough.
Howard and Alyce were devoted to each other and enjoyed living a very active and adventurous life together with family and friends. Together they befriended many and for them, the term “stranger” did not exist. wedding anniversary on They would have celebrated their 50th December 18, 2004. She is also survived by her son, Gilbert Monson of Las Vegas NV; daughters, Ida Mae Markey of Farmington, NM, Peggy Jean Monson of Anchorage, AK, Grace Marie Fairfax of Kauai, HI; brother, Gilbert Ollestad and companion Caroline Toloff of Seward, AK; sister, Thelma Patton and her husband Charles, of Seattle, WA; daughter-in-law, Julie Monson of Mill Creek, WA; 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Frederick “Sonny” Monson; daughter-in-law, Patti Monson; brothers Elmer Ollestad, Tollak Ollestad, and Wesley Ollestad; sisters, Marie Harpam, Frances Ferguson, Stella Osborne, and Lucille Hansen. She will be greatly missed by her husband, children, and all her grandchildren whom she loved so dearly. She will be remembered for her independent and loving spirit, which was admired and revered by many. She loved and lived life to the fullest.
A memorial for Alyce is in the Seldovia City Cemetery in the Olestad Family Plot, #193.