Max and Alice have been working together, fixin', feedin', and lovin', since they married 54 years ago, but Alice remembers admiring Max's "curly hair, blue eyes, and quiet disposition" long before that as the two grew up together in Tridell. Although they didn't date until years later, Alice reckons their relationship started when she gave Max an "I love you" conversation heart as he got off the bus one day in the seventh grade. If you ask Max about their courtship, he simply declares, "Alice chased me until I caught her!"
The Warrens raised five children on their ranch in Neola: Lana, Deanne (Quick), Blane, Kenneth, and Shelly (Turner).
When the children were no longer in need of her full-time feedin', lovin', and correctin', Alice decided she needed to pursue a college education. On her 50th birthday, she enrolled in a nursing program at Weber State University, and less than two years later, she graduated as a Registered Nurse (RN). Since then, she has worked at the hospital in Vernal, and, at age 70, she still works as an RN in Surgical Services at Ashley Regional Medical Center.
In addition to caring for patients, Alice says another of her passions is cooking. Max states that she is also talented at sewing and quilting.
Max served our country from 1955 to 1957. He finished basic training in Fort Carson, Colorado, and was so well liked that they kept him there to train new recruits for the remainder of his service.
Max then worked as a mechanic and welder for most of his adult life, and Alice says that he can fix anything. "I once complained to Max about that," she said. "I told him I thought if he wasn't so good at fixing things, maybe I could get something new once in a while. His response was, 'No, Alice. If I couldn't fix it, you probably wouldn't have one!'" Alice has appreciated his repairman skills ever since then
Max served on the Board of Directors of Uintah Basin Telephone Company for 12 years, and he has been serving on the Board of Directors for the Neola Water and Sewer District since the couple settled in Neola in 1974. A few years ago, he received a Golden Shovel award for his outstanding service to the community in that capacity. Alice has also been recognized for her outstanding service at the hospital where she is employed.
Max and Alice have served diligently in their church their entire lives. "God is the foundation of everything we do," Alice stated. The Warrens have proven their devotion to God by serving as volunteer workers in the Vernal LDS temple for the past 10 ½ years. During her younger years, many of Alice's church assignments entailed caring for children, but "[I] didn't tend them, [I] taught them," Alice said humbly. "And I still love having a baby on my lap," she added. "We love it when our family comes to visit."
The Warrens have been blessed with 24 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Beginning in the summer of 1974, the Warrens spent many years helping to organize and run the Neola Rodeo, and the town of Neola is grateful for the opportunity to honor Max and Alice at this year's celebration.
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