Alvene (Berry) Coons 99, of Rushville, died June 28, 2009 in Millers Merry Manor with her family at her side.

Alvene was born in Rushville on Nov. 20, 1909, the daughter of the late Reading H. and Iona (Green) Berry. She married A. Hartwell “Tippy” Coons Dec. 24, 1927 and he preceded her in death May 2, 1994.

She was a 1927 graduate of Rushville High School and worked at the Rushville Republican with her husband many years as the Business Manager. Her career spanned a total of 55 years including several years as a reporter before she moved to the business office. Alvene was the oldest member of Trinity Presbyterian Church (active for 65 years) and the Mary E. Logan Women’s Association. Her civic involvement includes American Legion Auxiliary (Rushville charter member and past president); Martha Poe Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star #143; Kappa Delta Phi sorority; Rush County Historical Society; Rushville High School-Rushville Consolidated High School Alumni Association (past winner of the community service award); Rush County Senior Citizens’ Center; 50 Plus Home Ec Club; winner of county-wide “Ellie” award; Mental Health America in Rush County (formerly Rush County Mental Health Association). She also volunteered for or supported a number of community projects and organizations including March of Dimes and Homer Festival.

After her retirement from newspaper work, Alvene continued to contribute to feature articles for the Rushville Republican. She volunteered time and skills as editor of the Rush County Historical Society’s newsletter for several years, and she participated in the Historical Society's sesquicentennial oral history project and the production of Rush County Retrospect.

The Senior Center's Tuesday morning painting classes allowed her to discover new talents, and she exhibited her work at the Rush County Fair and open houses at the Senior Center.

Alvene is survived by a daughter, Patricia Coons; and a son, George (wife Sandra) Coons, all of Rushville; three grandsons, Kent Spurgeon of Shelbyville, Tyler (wife Shena) Coons of Rushville and Wylie Coons of Rushville; two great-grand children Diamond and Sabrina Coons also of Rushville.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Carolyn; and two brothers Charles and Edward Berry.

A Celebration of Life Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Rushville, at 10 a.m. Thursday with Pastor Mick Saunders officiating. Friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Todd Funeral Home. There will be an Eastern Star Service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will take place in Rushville's East Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the donor's charity of choice.