Alyce Lee Higgins

Alyce Lee Higgins (65) longtime Emida, Idaho resident, left this earth far too soon and very unexpectedly on February 1, 2026, surrounded by the love she spent her life giving to others.

Alyce was born on March 17, 1960, in Bussac, France, to Willis R. and Jeanne McCoy. Her early years took her through Georgia and Montana before her family ultimately settled in Emida, Idaho - the place that would always be home to her heart.

She attended school at the Emida Schoolhouse, Fernwood, and later St. Maries. In 1972, Alyce met the love of her life, Roy Higgins. Their bond was instant and enduring. She left high school during her senior year to marry Roy on February 14, 1977, in Moscow, Idaho - a Valentine's Day love story that set the tone for a lifetime together.

The couple made their home in Emida, where they raised their two sons. Alyce dedicated herself fully to her family, staying home with her boys and later earning her GED in 1984 - something she was quietly proud of. After her children graduated, she worked for Latah Sanitation in Moscow, running the scales for several years. She then found her true calling as an in-home caregiver with Idaho Partners in Care, a role she cherished for 20 years. Caring came naturally to Alyce - it wasn't a job to her, it was simply who she was.

Due to failing health, Alyce retired in 2020, which allowed her to devote herself fully to what mattered most: her grandchildren. She cared for them daily, loving them fiercely and completely. In Alyce's world, everyone was her grandchild. You could usually find her at the kids' table, sitting in a dirt pile playing with trucks, or laughing right alongside them.

Food was Alyce's love language. No one ever left her home hungry - and no one ever left without feeling loved. She could make something out of nothing, and her macaroni salad and endless variety of salads were legendary. She loved her garden, canned in her younger years, and proudly passed that knowledge on to her grandchildren.

Alyce was creative to her core. She loved crafts, was an avid rock hound, and could turn stones into beautiful treasures. Camping, being outdoors, and sharing knowledge with her grandchildren brought her immense joy. She was a free spirit in every sense - always positive, always kind, always welcoming. She never judged a soul and loved everyone exactly as they were.

Alyce's family was her world, and she gave them every ounce of her heart. Her presence was warm, joyful, and steady - a light that will never be forgotten. Alyce's motto: When it rains, look for rainbows. When it's dark, look for stars.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Roy Higgins, at their home in Emida, Idaho; her son Waylon (Jenell) Higgins of Emida; siblings Mary McCoy of Fairbanks, Alaska, Elizabeth McCoy Olsen of Juliaetta, Idaho, Burtrum "Bud" Sypher of Latah, Washington, Willis "Cheetah" McCoy of Spokane, Washington, and Laura (Gary) Fosness of Sandy, Utah; grandchildren Dakoda Higgins, Chris (Jasmine) Sams, Jacob Sams, Colton Higgins, William Higgins, Katie (Tim) Hayes, and Jaramiah Higgins; great-grandchildren Skylar, Everly, Jarad, Phoenix, Jace, Robbie, Rocky, and Cooper; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Jarad Higgins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Emida Community Center. Please bring your favorite dish and a favorite story of Alyce to share - just as she would have wanted.

Friends and family are invited to visit Alyce's online tribute and leave condolences at hodgefuneralhome.com.