Legendary Camp Host and Family Matriarch Alice Whitaker’s Legacy Shines at Alturas Lake
Alturas Lake, Idaho – The legacy of renowned camp host and beloved family matriarch, Alice Whitaker, continues to shine brightly at Alturas Lake. Born on March 23, 1924, in Lehi, Utah, Alice spent most of her life in Idaho, creating lasting memories and impacting the lives of those around her. After a brief visit to Utah, she returned to Idaho and settled in various towns such as Shoshone, Rogerson, Pocatello, and Boise, where she worked for Farm Bureau until her retirement in 1986. Alice’s strong presence and dedication to her family and community touched the hearts of many.
Alice’s life was centered around her husband, Emmett Whitaker, whom she married in Pocatello. Together, they raised two children, Steven and Joan, while building a happy home in Pocatello. Later, they relocated to Boise, where they continued residing and embraced the joy of camping during their summers. Following her retirement, Alice and Emmett became camp hosts in the Wood River and Stanley Valleys, cherishing their time immersed in the beauty of nature. However, it was their years as camp hosts at Alturas Lake that held a special place in their hearts.
Tragically, Alice experienced the heartbreak of losing her parents, Ella and Edward Randall, as well as her three brothers: Jack, George, and Robert. In addition, she endured the loss of her husband of 63 years, Emmett. The pain deepened with the passing of her oldest grandchild, Jeff Kauffman, in 2007, and her great-grandson, Riyle Kauffman, in 2022. These losses undoubtedly left a void in Alice’s heart, but her resilience and love for her family remained steadfast.
Alice’s cherished memories at Alturas Lake inspired her to request a unique final resting place for her ashes. She desired for them to be strewn in a special location above Alturas Lake, alongside the ashes of her beloved husband and grandson. This spot holds great significance and represents the connection Alice had with nature and her loved ones.
Alice’s legacy lives on through the kinship of her surviving family members. She is survived by her son, Steven Whitaker, and his wife, Cynthia, who reside in Nampa. Additionally, her daughter, Joan Kauffman, and her husband, John, along with their son, Joseph Kauffman, and daughter-in-law, LaNae, continue to honor Alice’s memory. Alice’s adored grandchildren, Stephanie, Desiree Trammell, Bendon Kauffman, Ashton Kauffman, and great-grandchildren, Sierra, Kyle Jr., Joshua, ensure that her spirit will forever be cherished.
In accordance with Alice’s wishes, there will be no formal service held to commemorate her life. After her cremation, her ashes will be scattered in the serene surroundings above Alturas Lake, uniting Alice with her husband and grandson.
Alice Whitaker’s legacy of love, resilience, and dedication to family and nature will forever shine brightly at Alturas Lake, a testament to a life well-lived and an inspirational spirit that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.
