Alice Louise McHan

Alice Louise McHan can only be described as a citizen of the world and a champion of family and friends. Born in Lake Village, Arkansas to Richard and Elizabeth "Biddie" McHan and accompanied in life by her younger brother and forever best friend, Donald McHan, Alice experienced life to the fullest. From an early age, she recognized the power of learning and lived her life with purpose, curiosity, and a boundless love for people. She traveled the globe, armed with a fierce determination, strong intellect and self-assured purpose to experience, teach, and inspire. Alice left this earth for a much better place on November 11, 2025, loved and admired by family and friends who are grateful for the incredible care provided by Dr. James Wright, and the staff of Chicot County Hospital as well as the loving care provided by Dorothy, Ruby and Margaret.

Alice's dedication to education began at Lakeside High School and continued through her studies at Arkansas A&M College, culminating in a Master's degree from Arizona State University. Her 40-year career within the Department of Defense Dependents Schools took her around the globe-to Japan, Germany, the Philippines, and Korea-where she taught and counseled students K-12. She helped countless young people find their paths to college and beyond, always seeing potential in others and urging them to reach for greatness.

At home, Alice poured the same encouragement into her family. She was a loving aunt and extended family member who found joy in Scrabble games, book discussions, and heartfelt talks about school, dreams, and life. Her support extended well into her nieces' and nephews' adult lives, often punctuated by calls or notes reminding them to "live life fully-never hold back due to fear or doubt."

After retiring in 2010 from civil service, Alice returned to Lake Village and embraced a new chapter as a caregiver, mentor, and community advocate. She cherished the comradery, adventure and perspectives found among the women of the Happy Bookers book club and The Village bible study, the conversation during the McDonald's coffee club sessions, and the real joy of giving back to her community as a board member for Guachoya Art Center and through community outreach for the Lake Village Food Bank, among others.

Alice always described her family and friends as the best and richest part of life – the part she was most proud of. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard W. McHan, and her mother, Elizabeth Elwin McHan. She is survived by her brother Donald McHan (Ann), niece Stacie McHan Jones (Tom) and children Elizabeth (Agustin), Ben, and Maggie, nephew Wesley McHan and daughter Graci, niece Michelle Long (Charles) and children Anna Grace, Eliza and Charlie, niece Susan Cotton and children Chloe Cotton (children Jackson and Brody) and Clayton, as well as a host of extended McHan family members. She is also survived and deeply loved by her very special family of the heart, Linda and George Ratts, children Mindy Moed (Chris, children Dustin and Harper), Travis Ratts and Marianne and Dirk Prather.

Alice believed in the power of education and the value of people and lives lived together. She was and is our champion – our constant encourager - our citizen of the world. Cheers to you, Alice, for a life lived large and one that will live on through your inspired legacy of perpetual encouragement and belief in us all!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Alice Louise McHan to the Lake Village Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1068, Lake Village, AR 71653.