Wallowa County Chieftain Newspaper, Enterprise, Oregon, dated (Thursday) February 20, 2009.

Aleene Claire Barton Alford, a longtime Joseph elementary teacher, died Feb. 12, 2009, at St. Luke Hospital in Meridian, Idaho, at the age of 86.

Aleene was born August 4, 1922, in La Grande to Arthur and Grace Barton.

She lived and grew up in Shevlin, Ore., most of her childhood. She attended school in Shevlin through fourth grade, and then finished her schooling in LaPine. As a high school student Aleene was very active on the debate team, as school editor, played girl's basketball, and competed in and won several speech contests locally and at state level. In May of 1940, she graduated valedictorian of LaPine high school, receiving a scholarship to attend Eastern Oregon College of Education in La Grande. After receiving her teacher's certificate in 1943 she taught first grade in Milton-Freewater.

On Nov. 9, 1943, Aleene and Merle Alford were married in Nampa, Idaho. The couple moved to Sebring, Fla., while Merle was still in the Army Air Force. Aleene continued her teaching career teaching pre-school while they lived there. They then moved back to Joseph to help run the Alford Ranch. Aleene taught first, fifth and sixth grades in Lostine and then taught first grade in Joseph Elementary School for 31 years, from 1953 until her retirement in 1984. She received her teachers degree in 1971 from Eastern Oregon State College. She also taught evening adult reading classes, tutored students outside of school, and helped students with speeches throughout the years. She was honored as Educator of the Year. Aleene loved all her student's and would tell them at the beginning of each school year that this was her best class yet.

Aleene was very involved in the community. She was a member and held offices in both AAUW and Toastmasters. She was a board member of Friends of the Library in Joseph and a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority group.

Aleene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Merle, and grandson Michael Hauser.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: son Gary and his wife Susan Alford of Joseph; daughter Marietta Hauser of Meridian, Idaho; and son John and his wife Jeannie of Joseph. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Bollman's Funeral Home in Enterprise 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 2009.

Contributions may be made to the Cancer Foundation or Joseph Education Foundation in her memory.