Alice Ann McCrossin

Alice Ann Schmitt McCrossin, 98 of Hamilton passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Alice was born on September 14, 1926 in Fessenden, North Dakota, one of ten children born to John and Pauline Faul Schmitt. She married Leon McCrossin in 1943 when she was just 16. She was so happy and blessed to be married but when Leon was gone in the military she traveled to Portland Oregon to work in the shipyard. She became a first-class sheet metal welder. She saved her money and when Leon returned home she purchased the farm in Charlos Heights where she raised her family, and when the need arose, she helped raise her nieces and nephews. Her farm was her life as she carried on dad’s dreams with Ham Mont Eggs after his passing.

Alice never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend, a garden she didn’t want to tend, a child she didn’t want to hug or a dog she didn’t want to adopt.

She was the epitome of the modern-day Job. She lost so much in her almost 99 years. With each loss the Lord took her through she loved and counted on Him more, giving Him her prayer and receiving His blessings. If you were a friend, you were in her prayers, and she is advocating for you in Heaven.

She worked hard helping Sandy in Rathdrum then later she came back to the Bitterroot where at a daycare, she loved so many lucky little people. The house on Cooper Lane was mom’s home, where she enjoyed her garden, forming special relationships with her neighbors and her church. Mom’s wish was that all her family and friends be so blessed to have the life she was given.

A special thank you to the Staff at St. Pat’s, the people that gave her dignity, love and so much respect during her struggle. Thank you Bobbie and Susan, you always brought a smile to her face and joy in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leon; parents John and Pauline Schmitt; son Jim McCrossin and daughter JoAnn McCrossin; and siblings John, Gertie, Leona, Rose, Esther, Jerry and Alvin.

Alice is survived by her son Larry McCrossin of Ft. Shaw, MT; daughters Bonnie (Clint) Bruggemann of Hamilton, Sandy (Phil) Bergren of Darby, and Suzie (Scott) Vandersloot of Laurel; twin brother Elmer Schmitt of Libby, brother Glenn Schmitt of Arkansas; Kristin Montara “My Little One” of Darby, MT; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of Alice’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6th at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton with Chaplain Jonathan Sardella officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton.

The family suggests memorials to the South Valley Veterans Memorial, P.O. Box 410 Darby, MT 59829