Graveside services for Alice Staples, 93, of Marshall will be held 1:00 pm, Friday, October 25, 2013, at Algoma North Cemetery and officiated by Rev. Louis Smith. A tribute to Aunt Kackie written by nephew Roy Miller will be shared. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2013 at Downs Funeral Home. Mrs. Staples passed away October 23, 2013 in Longview, Texas. Alice Katherine Miller Staples was born April 11, 1920, in Marshall to Sam Houston and Mary Alice Prince Miller. Mrs. Staples was a 1938 graduate of Marshall High School, and furthered her education to become a certified clinical and administrative medical assistant. She worked for Drs. Frank Littlejohn, Richard Granbery, and John Adams, retiring in 1987. Mrs. Staples was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Alice Katherine married Carroll William "Mike" Staples, Jr., on October 31, 1942. He preceded her in death on December 25, 1991. Mrs. Staples was a member of National Honor Society in 1937-38. She received several honors during her career, such as Harrison County Medical Assistant of the Year 1969, Texas Society of Medical Assistants Member of the Year 1971, Marshall Business Professional Women's Club "Woman of the Year" 1974, Past President Texas Society of Medical Assistants 1977 and Wall of Distinction 1986. Her quick wit entertained those around her. She had a ready smile for family, friends and patients and ever the consummate hostess, family frequently enjoyed her delicious meals and desserts. She is remembered by many for her annual Christmas gift of divinity and peanut brittle which she and Mike prepared each year. Katherine and Mike enjoyed many travels with friends. After Mike's death, she spent Tuesdays and Thursdays with friends playing 42 and Chicken Foot. She was fondly known within the medical community as Ms Alice. In her retirement, she volunteered at the United Churches of Marshall Food Pantry. Always the professional she placed patients immediately at ease giving them the utmost of care. She worked with Dr. Granbery until his retirement, at which time she worked for Dr John Adams until her retirement. The family gratefully acknowledges his continued friendship to the family and Katherine. Mrs. Staples is survived by her son, Larry Michael Staples and wife Rebecca of Hallsville; her nephew who was like a son, Roy "Sonny" Miller and wife Glinda Miller of Jefferson; grandchildren, Wendy Michelle Staples McKay and husband Randy McKay of Longview, Jennifer Anne Staples Swan and husband Dusty Swan of Richardson; great grandchildren, Katherine Nicole Champion, Lincoln Miller Swan, Kelan Burton McKay; step-grandchildren, Shawnee Adams and husband Josh of Mott, LA, Shane Powell and wife Patricia of Castor, LA, Shannon Powell of Hallsville; step-great grandchildren, Halie Powell, Micha Powell, Alison Powell, Emily Powell, Preston Powell, Sonia Powell, Dakota Brown, and Enola Adams; Mrs. Terri Staples Cherry, mother of granddaughters; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends, including lifelong friend Mrs. Loudelle Parker. Mrs. Staples was preceded in death by her parents, Sam Houston and Mary Alice Miller, step-mother Vera Fisher Miller, her husband, two brothers, Sam Allen Miller, Roy Houston Miller, sister Mary Miller Echols and nephew Randall Echols. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kenneth Carroll, Jim Kennedy, Gary Smith, Don Woods, Larry Boaze and Randy Corley. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses and caretakers of Alpine House, Pine Tree Nursing Lodge and Heart to Heart Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Mission Marshall (United Churches of Marshall Food Bank).