SALINA - Alice Saiz, 70, of Salina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at suffering many years with illness.

She was born June 27, 1941, to Trinidad and Frances Ruelas in Hutchinson, Kan.

Alice loved children so very much that she dedicated her life to teaching. She taught for over 30 years in USD #305. Alice touched the lives of children at Schilling, Oakdale, Glennifer Hill and Heusner. She is also known for her fierce devotion to her family and friends. Alice loved spending time with her family and friends, going to Helen's Beauty Shop, shopping for her granddaughters, and dancing with her husband. She had a smile that was simply contagious! Alice's compassion and generosity were legendary. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Gilbert of the home; one daughter, Jarnee' Saiz-Fischer and husband Matt of Salina; two grandchildren, Alessandra and Gabriella Fischer; two stepsons, Eddie Joe Saiz and Tony Saiz and wife Leann, all of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and two step-grandchildren, Torri and Tawni Saiz; three sisters, Lydia Martinez and husband Rick, Vicky Johnson and husband Jerry, all of Hutchinson, Kan., and Evangeline Saiz, of Brea, Calif.; three brothers, Victor Ruelas, of Hutchinson, Kan., Ernie Ruelas, of Wichita, Kan., and Efrain Ruelas, of Odessa, Texas; 14 nephews and 16 nieces and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

A Rosary Service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, at the St. Teresa's Catholic Church, 211 E. 5th Ave., Hutchinson, Kan., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with Father Nicholas Voelker officiating. Friends may call 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at Elliott Mortuary, with family present from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park.

Memorials are suggested to the Salina Public Library or to the St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in Salina.