Obituary of Aleece Pyle

Aleece Pyle was called home to the lord on 10/07/2016 after suffering a medical emergency. She was a very special mother, wife, aunt, friend, and church member, who touched the lives of everyone she knew. Aleece was born on 7/04/1927 in Antlers, Oklahoma to Jesse and Erma Cook. She spent her young years in Antlers, surrounded by her loving extended family, including her mother's parents, her mother's 13 brothers and sisters, and numerous cousins. She was raised during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 30's. Her mother's sister sponsored them to move to California, where the family settled in Hemet, CA. at about her 10th or 11th year. A few years later, her mom and dad moved her family to Sunnyvale to work at Libby's Cannery. Aleece had three younger sisters, Bernice Cook (deceased at 2 years of age), Norma Mae (Frank) Menacho, and Barbara Ann (Shannon) (deceased).
Aleece was an avid reader who enjoyed books, music, and dance. She had two younger sisters, Norma and Barbara, with whom she maintained close. Aleece married in 1942, when the love of her life, Shirley James, enlisted in the service during WWII. An army bride, she traveled to South Dakota to be with her husband where he was stationed during his service. Upon his honorable discharge the young couple went back to Hemet, where her oldest son Larry James, was born in 1944. They moved to Palo Alto for job opportunities and to be closer to her family. Her second son, Michael James was born in 1947. Shirley and Aleece lived for a short time in a small mobile home in Sunnyvale. After purchasing a large lot in an unincorporated area bordering Sunnyvale, Cupertino, and Santa Clara, they built their home and moved in right after the birth of their daughter, Shirley Kathleen in 1950. Three years after, a third son was born, Christopher Ernest, and three years after that their fourth son, Jonathan Howard was born.
Aleece's husband Shirley started his own business shortly after moving into their home. Aleece supported her husband's business and their reputation for honesty and integrity grew along with their business. Aleece was a homemaker; involved in her community, schools, and church. She supported her children's activities, and dedicated herself to their lessons, music programs, scouts, and church activities.
Aleece and Shirley joined the First Baptist Church in 1948, when it was located on Washington Street in downtown Sunnyvale. An active member throughout her life, she was on the board of the church and participated with the original building committee in the late 1950's. She and her husband enjoyed the fellowship and friendships of so many members. She traveled with her husband and other members of her church family to many interesting places and areas of interest. Aleece and Shirley traveled to Alaska, and Oklahoma in their motorhome, and also enjoyed many weekend trips to the coast with their grandchildren. The family has many wonderful memories of her mothering and mentoring, her friendships and interests in their lives. Aleece and Shirley enjoyed travels together and traveled as far as Hawaii with their close friends to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary.
When her youngest son entered high school, she began working at the first paid job she'd held since 1950. She enjoyed working at Carolea's Knitche, a well-known and popular yarn and fabric store in Sunnyvale. She enjoyed working at the store, teaching others how to knit and crochet. After her husband died in 1993, she retired and became involved with the Sunnyvale Garden Club, her church ministries and women's groups. Her last years were spent in the loving company of her friends, family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: Larry James (Patricia) Pyle, Michael David (Sandie) Pyle, Shirley Kathleen (John) Alexander, Christopher Ernest (Karen) Pyle, and Jonathan Howard (Jacqueline) Pyle. In addition to raising five successful children, she has 11 grandchildren ranging from the oldest at 53 to the youngest grandchild at 18. She has 12 great grandchildren ranging in age from 30 to newborn, and one great-great grandchild who is 4 years old. Her large immediate family live across the West Coast States all way to Rochester, New York.
In addition to her children, she had nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. She enjoyed her 89th birthday last July with a family reunion with her immediate family and the family of daughter in law Patricia.
Aleece donated her time and money to charitable causes her entire life, from campaigning for fund raising for the March of Dimes to donating lap robes to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto. Donations to the Salvation Army in her honor would be appreciated.




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