Aletha F. Chandler

Aletha F. Chandler Age 87, went to be with Jesus Thursday, August 4, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM after several months of failing health.
Born in Chanute, KS  to Alvah B. and Viola Porter McGinnis. She was one of two living  first generation grandchildren of Alexander J. and Julia Overholts McGinness . Her father, Alvah , passed away of pneumonia in 1942, before Aletha turned 13 years old. October 1944 her mother and stepfather after instructing her to quit her candling job  left for California to find work  promising to return. They left  15 year old Aletha with her two younger siblings 10 and 12 years to feed and care for all of their needs. The children post selling their furniture and even their school books to care for themselves  became destitute. They  were taken under the wing of a farmer who tried to help them but they were noticed by the authorities and became  a concern of the courts.  Under the pressure of having her siblings taken from her  Aletha, 15, married in 1944 to Ralph Evans ,16, in an attempt to keep her brothers with her.  The news article  concerning the early marriage of a 15 year old girl lovingly attempting to keep her siblings referred to her efforts as valiant. The Judge did not annul the marriage but unfortunately the courts removed her brothers from her care to be placed in the state orphanage. The young boys would run away back to Aletha until finally  they were sent where they couldn't run away. They split and sent the boys far from one another not allowing any contact between the three siblings. They were all kept separated for many years. She carried the heartbreak of the loss of her brothers all her life along with the loss of her own infant daughter in 1948.
She entered into a second marriage in 1958 to Albert Chandler. Tragedy struck again when her beloved  youngest  brother who after being sent to the orphanage was eventually adopted , then in 1959 fell to his death from a grain elevator. She lost all contact with his family, his children.  She had to  become a strong women and she stood her ground. She held a job, fed , clothed her children, kept a clean house, and  even worked on the car.   Aletha worked as a nursing tech and assistant for  most of her life she worked for a time at an  ammunitions plant. She was always more than determined. Having very little formal education she was seldom recognized for her cleverness.  Aletha moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975 and would spend most of the rest of her life there with the exceptions of a few months each in Utah, CA and KS. Once again in 1977 heartbreak came when one of her sons, Brad, was killed in a military accident.  Post divorce she met a man of Italian heritage that loved to laugh. She loved the state of New Mexico and now she had a companion that would often travel around the state with her exploring. She loved chili green and red.  Picnicking and spending time in the mountains was something she really liked to do. She seemed  content possibly more than she ever had been. One more time tragedy hit, her companion who loved to walk in the early mornings was found deceased at the bottom of an overpass bridge. She rarely discussed all the hardships she had experienced in her life. She became a very generous and giving person. If she thought she could give somebody something she would leave behind her own wants and have pleasure in giving. Later as she aged she began to crochet more, making dollies, throws, and even rugs. She also picked up crafts such as making doll lamps and working puzzles then sealing them to create a picture. She remained busy up until her hands would not do the fine work but even then she continued to do handicrafts. She had such joy when her youngest brother, Lyle's, children were finally found.  She slowly began to discover her long buried laughter. Contrary to what she convinced the medical staff of she was quick and witty even to almost the end. Many may have not understood why she did the things she did but maybe now with her story being laid out before them compassion will spring forth. Sometimes the ones that seem the hardest to love need it the most.  She became known to some as the, Miracle Lady, time after time as her family prayed she recovered even when the family was told there was no hope. This last  time she had told some she was going home before she even  became gravely ill. She will have no more sorrow, no more tragedy, no more loss, no more pain, nor any person to stand in judgment of her again,  only joy. She believed and accepted Jesus into her heart.
Aletha is survived by four sons: Tom Evans (Mary) Andover, KS, Danny Chandler (Candy) Vinita, OK,  Tim Chandler(Teresa) Chanute, KS, and Larry Chandler. One stepson: Robert Chandler Austin, TX. Three daughters: Gloria O'Brien Palmyra, TN, Lynn Ross (Howard) Albuquerque, NM, Gwynn Holman (Les) Welda, KS. Two stepdaughters: Dorrene Page Broken Arrow, OK, Janette Gaskins Iola, KS. Grandchildren: Tracy Ingram Overland Park, KS, Jay Collins (Tim) Grandview, MO, James Tipton Clarksville, TN. Wendy , Andrew (Brittany), and Keely Ross  all of Alb,NM.   Charles(Kim), and Sarah Chandler of Vinita, OK, Steven Chandler of Springfield, MO. Trevor and Erica Holman Lawrence, KS.  Kevin , Kaylee and Kyle Chandler all of Chanute, KS. Several Step grandchildren: Polly Chandler, Carrie Chandler, Sara Roe, Ginger Courter, Amanda Bailey, Christy Mitchell, and all their descendants including descendants of Season Gean. Great Grandchildren: Emily Ingram, Andrew Ingram, Akira Chandler, and Zoe Chandler.
She was preceded in death by husband Albert Chandler, Son  Brad Chandler (military accident), Infant daughter Pamela Evans , One step granddaughter Season Gean. Three brothers: Edward S McGinnis, Calvin B McGinnis, and Lyle D Stover. Two sisters: Myrtle Patton, Florence McGinnis. Several nieces and nephews. She was the last of her generation of the children of Alvah and Viola McGinnis.
She was surrounded by children and grandchildren when she left this earth. No formal memorial service was planned at her request. Her children and Pastor Eggers gathered together to celebrate her life.
Cremation will take place.