Alice Linn Atchley

Alice Linn Atchley, 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Milford, Texas on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro. A visitation will be held prior to the service, starting at 11:00 AM.

She was born on July 18, 1950, in Hotchkiss, Colorado to Henry Thomas Rock and Margaret Marie Woodring. Alice often joked that she was "born in a barn," though in truth it was a home lovingly converted from one. She graduated from Hotchkiss High School and, after her oldest child became a teenager, pursued higher education. Through determination and perseverance, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arizona. She went on to dedicate more than 35 years as a beloved educator, inspiring generations of students with her patience, kindness, and passion for learning.

In the summer of 1964, at just 14 years old, Alice met the love of her life, Rex Atchley, in Colorado. They married on May 25, 1968, and together built a remarkable life, raising four children and sharing nearly six decades of devotion.

Rex joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and served honorably for 20 years. His service took the family across the United States and abroad, including assignments in New Mexico; Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota; Morón Air Base near Madrid, Spain; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Their time in Alaska was especially meaningful, filled with adventure and natural beauty. While there, Alice took oil painting classes so she could capture the mountain landscapes and wildlife she loved so dearly.

After Rex's retirement from the Air Force, the family settled in Texas in 1987, living in Waco, Azle, and eventually Milford. Alice and Rex shared a love of travel and the outdoors. Rex enjoyed hunting moose and elk and fishing for salmon, halibut, and crab, while Alice found joy in hiking, camping, reading, painting, and spending time with her family.

Alice was a woman of unwavering faith and a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and Rex faithfully served their church and community, always ready to offer kindness, generosity, and support to others.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rex Atchley.

Alice is survived by her children: Robert and wife Cynthia of The Colony, Texas; Raymond and wife Jennifer of Hillsboro, Texas; Crystal and husband Shawn of Milford, Texas; Megan Burke of Hillsboro, Texas; and Kevin Burke of Azle, Texas. She is also survived by her six cherished grandchildren: Zachary, Karah, Chasaty, Dakota, Brieanna, and Paisley; two great-grandchildren; her siblings Don, Ruth, Hattie, Margie, Lina, and Absalom Jr.; her brother-in-law James Atchley of Paonia, Colorado; and her sister-in-law Anna Ulrich of Missouri.

Alice will be remembered for her strength, warmth, faith, creativity, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched as a teacher, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed and forever loved.