Alice Putnam

Alice Janette DeLano Putnam, 93, and a resident of Chattanooga, Tenn., passed away gracefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. She was born prematurely weighing only 4 pounds on April 24, 1925, in Detroit, Mich. to the late Reuben Garton DeLano and Alice Irene Pullen DeLano, and was the youngest of nine children. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1943, in San Bernardino, California she was united in marriage with her high school sweetheart Sgt. James H. Putnam, Sr., just prior to his deployment, beginning a 65 year partnership and love affair. Alice graduated from St. Clair High School in 1943. During WW II she served as one of our nation’s Rosie the Riveters working at Diesel Engineering Works in Detroit, Michigan making repair kits for landing barges as her contribution to the war effort. Alice’s true career was family. She was a girl scout and cub scout leader and her home was a gathering place for family and friends. Her infectious smile and accepting nature made her a dear friend to all. Her door was always open, a welcoming haven to family and friends. To her, each guest was a treasure. She valued all people without concern for your bank account but for the kindness in your heart, and was open hearted and kind to all. Alice is survived by five of her seven children, Michael J. (Kathleen) Putnam of Lynchburg, VA, Patrick W. (Victoria) Putnam of Santa Fe, NM, Vickie L. and Carol A. Putnam of Chattanooga TN, James H. (Joy) Putnam of Richmond, VA.,16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James H. Putnam, her two brothers Alvin and Carlton, six sisters Blanche, Dorothy, Jeanne, Ollie, Pauline, and Gertrude, and two daughters Susan K. Burroughs and Dr. Mary Alice Creason. Memorial Services will be held on August 4, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, TN. After the service there will be a reception at the church and burial in Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Chattanooga, TN. In July of 2019 a memorial service will be held in Michigan. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com