Ida Florence Alkire was born on June 3, 1925 to Mitchell and Mary Hoag in Richmond, OK.  She flew into the arms of her Lord on April 16, 2022 at the age of 96 years, 10 months, and 13 days.

Florence grew up and was educated in the Richmond area, graduating Richmond School with the Class of 1943.  On April 15, 1945 she married Wilbur Jennings "Jake" Alkire, Jr. at the Hoag family home.

Florence was a very dedicated member of the First Christian Church for over 75 years, having been baptized there in December of 1945.  She served in any capacity needed, including teaching Sunday School and VBS. She felt her purpose in life was to help serve the needs of others.

Florence managed the Seiling Public Schools cafeteria for 25 years.  During that time, she won state awards and two National Food Service Contests.  One of her projects, promoting good nutrition was featured on the cover of the National School Lunch Journal. One of her national awards was presented in Las Vegas.

Whenever she saw a need in her community, she wanted to help serve others.  She was active in Dewey County Historical Society; and was inducted into the Hall of Fame Award in 2014.  She also served with the Area Medical Foundation, the Chester Community Club, and as a volunteer for school events and with the 4-H Club.

Florence joined the Home Betterment Club as part of the Home and Community Education Organization in 1945.  She has held every office on the local and district level numerous times.  She helped support the Dewey County Fair, having many entries from her garden, photograph, painting, and sewing items. She won many awards including the Heart of OCHE and District Woman of the Year more than once.

She enjoyed being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Society of Mayflower Descendants.  She researched and compiled records dating back to the Mayflower for family members.  She also received many State and National Honors, including the Women in American History Award and 1 ^st Place water color painting in the national American Heritage Competition.

She enjoyed spending time with her family throughout the years during holidays and reunions.  Gardening, painting, and playing music were hobbies she enjoyed.  Her artistic ability could be seen in all areas of her activities.  Above all, Florence loved and served the Lord with her whole heart.

In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her husband Jake Alkire, four siblings, Gilbert Hoag, Elena Mae Bussell, Mitchell Hoag, Jr., and Mary Alice Pennington.

She is survived by her two children, Wilbur Alkire, III and wife Gayla of Seiling, OK, and Cindy Henderson of Woodward; grandchildren Mason Alkire and wife Brandi of Rutledge, GA, Rochelle Covington of Yukon, OK, and D.J. Henderson and wife Sarah of Great Bend, KS; 6 great-grandchildren, a brother Dale Hoag and wife Judy of Enid, OK, sister Clara Louthan of Ponca City, OK, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a lifetime of friends.

Memorial Donations in Florence's honor may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund c/o Redinger Funeral Home, Box 236, Seiling, OK 73663.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 22, 2022 at the First Christian Church of Seiling, with burial to follow at Brumfield Cemetery.