Alice Koontz

Jun 28, 2009

Alice Ruth Farnham Koontz, 88, entered Eternal Life on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Knoxville.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Herbert Koontz, who passed away in 1987. She grew up in Knoxville, serving as pianist at local churches beginning at the age of 16. Following her marriage, she was employed with Union Carbide in Oak Ridge from 1944-1952. Following the birth of her children, she taught piano lessons for many years. She was an active member of Alcoa-Way Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities as church secretary, preschool director and church pianist until her illness.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Sandy and Sue Koontz of Greensboro, N.C.; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kathy and Bill Bessom of Athens, and Lisa Koontz of Knoxville; three beloved grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Bessom and his wife, Dr. Bethany Bessom, of Greenville, S.C., Jonathan Bessom of Cleveland, and Rachel Koontz of Berkeley, Calif.; and one sister, Rhea Flemming of Knoxville.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to UT Hospice Services and Carolyn Wear, Florence Wrancher and Christine Ross for the excellent care given to their mother for two years.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with a memorial service to follow at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to UT Hospice of Knoxville; East Tennessee Kidney Foundation; or American Red Cross of Greensboro, N.C.

A guest book and additional information is available at www.berryfuneralhome.com

Berry Funeral Home of Knoxville is in charge of arrangements.