Alfred Lilly

On July 15, 1922 he was married to Reathal Welch, daughter of Joel Reynolds Welch and Estella Wolfe. They were the parents of eight children: Katherine Elinor, Henrietta Mae, Dorothy Evelyn, Mary Rose, James Joel, William Eugene, Howard Arthur, and Margaret Marie.

Alfred passed away on June 7, 1973. Below is an article written about him by his brother Jesse in the book, "Now and Then with Kropffs and Crums."

A curly haired flaxen haired boy roaming the wilds of Northern New Mexico in company with his two older brothers, Alfred spent many happy hours. They would invarably find a sheep camp or a mining camp every day for a bountious lunch, then on their way doing what boys do. One day in particular comes to mind. After a noon lunch with a group of men who were digging a well for the Denver and Rio Grande railroad, the boys as usual started on their trek. Coming to a large old cottonwood tree which had quite a hole in one limb, Alfred being the youngest was told to stick his hand in the hole. Following orders he stuck his hand in the hole about to the elbow. Letting out a blood curdeling yell he jerked out his hand and a big ferrocious old rat was hanging on to a finger. Alfred carried a scar the balance of his life

Growing up and attending school in Southern Colorado, Alfred got a good education, was quite a ballplayer, always had a good pony and all in all had a very happy boyhood.

Reaching maturity, Alfred went out to Oregon where he married and raised quite a large family.

Spiending his last days in Fallon, Nevada, he lived on quite a large alfalfa ranch and did lots of hunting and fishing which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Reference

Wells, Ruth Crum (1974). Now and Then with Kropffs and Crums Boyd Done Skyline Printing Tucson, Arizona.

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Memories of her Grandparents by Tammy Beardsley

My Grandpa was one of the kindest humans I'd ever known. When he died a big light went out for our family.

I think the fondest memory I have is he and Grandma telling us to go out to the garden and pick our own melon. Then the contest began between my siblings as to who would pick the best melon. They were the sweetest melons to date. Going out to the ranch for myself and brother and sister was a sweet, warm loving place to be. Another great memory for me was when after dark Grandpa and Grandma would get out the reel to reel and show us home movies of when we were small. Being with them was always fun, safe, calm and memorable. I often try and visit those days in my dreams. I can see his kind face and hear his soft voice.

Many fishing and camping trips were with my Grandparents. One time my little brother wandered away from camp. Dark was fast approaching and no sign of my him anywhere... Then, here comes this little boy coming down the mountain. That was the only time I can recall my Grandad crying. Wiping away tears I can still remember his voice saying, "All I could think about was that little boy lost in the dark." He loved us so and we loved him. We just didn't get to be with him long enough. I was 12 when he died. Grandma went to live with Aunts and Uncles and those wonderful days at the ranch ended.

• Lilly Coat of Arms

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