Alice Ellen Espenschied, 94, of Taylorville passed away at 7:00 am on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Hickory Estates of Taylorville.  Alice was born in Cisne, Illinois on July 28, 1929, the daughter of Everett C. and Mary Ellen (Crews) Brach.  After graduating from Cisne High School, she worked at Fairfield State Bank and attended Brown Business College in St. Louis, MO.  She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Urbana, a 50+ year member of the Champaign County Home and Community Education organization, and a dedicated Illini fan.  She loved to read, travel, and garden, sharing her bounty with friends, neighbors and family.  She was a great cook, at one time being named one of the best cooks in Champaign County by The Courier newspaper.

Alice married Roland F. (Espy) Espenschied on August 31, 1951. He preceded her in death on August 18, 1992.  She is survived by her sister, Barbara (Ed) Knop of Clifton, IL; two children: Linda Smith (Mark) of Edinburg and David Espenschied (Laurel Dano) of Scottsdale, Arizona; two grandchildren, Allison (Josh) Kirchhoff of Goreville and Ross Smith of Vienna; two great grandchildren, Raleigh and Blake Kirchhoff, also of Goreville; as well as nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Alice will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Urbana with Rev. Dan Spruell officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00. Burial will take place in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana.  Memorials may be made to the Champaign County Home and Community Education organization. McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Alice, or condolences to her family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.