Born in Callaway, Nebraska, to John and Avis (Uhlman) Cooley, Alice grew up in Lexington and dedicated her life to education and family. Over the course of her long and respected teaching career, she served in classrooms across Nebraska—25 years in Ashland, 5 years in Callaway, and 2 years in Huntley—impacting the lives of generations of students.
Alice was known for her charming wit, intellectual curiosity and love of reading. A gifted listener with a classic sense of style reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, she brought both elegance and authenticity to everything she did. She could be feisty when it mattered and was truly a force all her own.
In the classroom, Alice ruled with clarity, fairness, and high expectations, while always caring deeply for her students. Her blend of discipline and high standards left lasting respect and affection.
Alice was authentically and unapologetically herself, a quality she shared with her late husband, Dewayne Thorell, and one that her family deeply admires and aspires to emulate.
She is survived by her son Corey (Ronilynn) Thorell of Belton, Texas; daughter Lori Thorell of Bangkok, Thailand; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren and her sister Sharon (David) Jordening of Germantown, Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dewayne; her son Todd Thorell; her brother Kenneth (Mary) Cooley; and sisters Zelma (Charles) High, Vivian (Fritz) Von Loh and her parents.
Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 11, 2025, at First Christian Church in Ashland, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.