Alice Backous, age 83, of Nevada, Iowa, died Sunday, October 16, 2016, at Story Medical Senior Care in Nevada.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2016, at the Nevada Baptist Church, with Pastor Dennis Reynolds officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Iowa Center.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada. 

Born March 28, 1933, in Harvey, Iowa, Alice Lavonne Backous was the daughter of Ernest and Grace (Blake) Gluck.  She grew up and received her education in Nevada, graduating from Nevada High School.

On October 23, 1952, Alice was united in marriage to Irvin “Bud” Backous in Albert Lea, Minnesota.  The couple made their home in Nevada and was blessed with four sons:  Denny, Mike, Rod, and Mark.  Alice was employed for over 20 years at Donnelley Marketing in Nevada.  She was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Nevada Garden Club.

Alice was a woman of many interests and talents.  She was an avid gardener, crafter, seamstress, and cook.  Her home was an inviting gathering place where she could enjoy the company of family and friends as well as a lively game of cards.  Alice had a great appreciation for nature and loved spending time outdoors.  Camping and fishing were among her favorite pastimes.

She is survived by her four sons, Denny (LeAnn) Backous of Colo, Mike (Diane) Backous of Bondurant, Rod (Diane) Backous of Des Moines, and Mark Backous of Clive; 16 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Irvin “Bud” in 1993; her parents; step-father, Frank Smith; a grandson, Justin Irvin Backous, and a brother, Leland Gluck.

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Alice and her family.