Obituary
Alyce Charlene Dempster (Spot) died peacefully on May 9, 2021 at the Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida. Spot was born on Sept 26, 1926 in Springfield, SD to Ivan and Amanda (Johnson) McCollum. She graduated from Springfield High School, Springfield, SD, Class of 1944. Spot married her high school sweetheart, Donald Raymond Dempster on August 13,1944 and were married for 62 years before Don’s passing in 2006. Don joined the USMC and for the next 32 years of service (including WW11, Korean War and Vietnam War) they built a family as they traveled the globe. Spot was involved with the Navy Relief as a volunteer and also led many organizations for wives of servicemen. She was an avid sewer and knitter, and for years after retirement was a Passap Knitting Machine dealer and instructor. For years she ran a shop in downtown Charleston known as Needlemania. Spot was predeceased by her husband Col Donald R Dempster USMC (Ret) in 2006. Surviving are three daughters: Donna R Gundy (Ted) of Essex, CT, Gail A Deasy (Brian) of San Diego, CA, Kathy S Ricker (Don) of Charleston, SC; and a son, Maj. Dymond R. Dempster USMC (Ret) (Dottie) of Fredricksburg, VA: seven grandchildren, Tasker, Matt and Amanda Gundy, Robert and Alyssa Dempster, Catherine and Emily Ricker; and seven great grandchildren, Darwin, Cora, and Thea Gundy, Samantha and Oliver Gundy, Eloise and Jonah Andrew: and a brother Robert McCollum of the Villages, FLA. Spot was also dearly loved by numerous nieces and nephews to whom she was a matriarch for advice and counsel. Plans for a memorial service will be announced later in May 2022. Memorial contributions may be made to: Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.
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