Alice Marie Eshbaugh, 90, died February 23, 2026, surrounded by her family, in Hutchinson. She was the only girl out of eleven children born to Wilber Enlo and Juanita Mae (Ferguson) Houchin, on August 12, 1935, in Fredonia.
Alice was a 1953 graduate of Coyville High School, Coyville, KS. She was the owner and operator of Alice’s Ceramic Nook as well as a partner with her husband Leland in the operations of Leland's Body Shop in Ulysses. Alice was very involved with the 4H clubs in Ulysses as an instructor for ceramics and judging at surrounding county fairs. She enjoyed China painting and was the go-to person for her painting the eyes on ceramics for many people. Alice also worked at JoAnn Fabrics and Midwest Sewing, Hutchinson. Alice had a passion for sewing and loved to quilt and work on different projects. Alice was a member of Lighthouse Bible Church, Buhler.
On October 25, 1953, she married Leland Henry Eshbaugh in Coyville. They shared over 39 years of marriage prior to his death on January 26, 1993.
Alice is survived by: her children, Benita (Pete) Hayden of Hutchinson, Richard (Esther) Eshbaugh of Hillsboro, Michael (Debbie) Eshbaugh of Norfolk, NE; 12 grandchildren, Amber Davis, Matt Hayden, Luke Hayden, Melinda Messerschmidtt, Craig Eshbaugh, Matt Eshbaugh, Dawn Prather, Lauren Foreman, Jake Eshbaugh, Nathaniel Eshbaugh, Annha Eshbaugh; 20 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; brothers, William (Tessie) Houchin of Oak Harbor, WA, Jerry Houchin and Larry Houchin, both of Severy, KS; sisters-in-law, Joann Houchin of Fredonia, Zandie Houchin of Norton, Vickie Puryear of Tomball, TX, Leta Nefzger of Estes Park, CO; brother-in-law, Melvin (Sandy) Eshbaugh of Topeka; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Leland Eshbaugh; granddaughter, Tanya Holt; great-grandson, Wyatt Eshbaugh; siblings, Alonzo Houchin, W. Harvey Houchin, Glen Edgar Houchin, Jimmie Houchin, Sr., Ray Houchin, Sr., Dale Houchin and Darrell Houchin.
Celebration of life service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Lighthouse Bible Church, 825 N. Wall, Buhler. Private family burial will take place in Fredonia City Cemetery, Fredonia. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Lighthouse Bible Church, Buhler, United Way of Reno County, or donor’s choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.