Alice Busby Prey

Alice Busby Prey, of Thatcher, Arizona, passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born on January 13, 1936, in Eden, Arizona, to John David Busby & Lettie O’Neil Busby.

Alice was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved music, chocolate, color-coordinated glasses and shoes to match every outfit, and staying up all night reading so she had an excuse to take a nap the next day.

She attended Eastern Arizona College and was crowned Miss Graham County in 1955. Alice married Phillip Prey on February 14, 1957. They were sealed in the Mesa Temple on May 25, 1963. Alice received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Marshall University in 1979 and a nursing degree from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1984. She worked as an early childhood public school nurse. Then, in 1988, she returned to Marshall to complete her teaching credentials and began teaching in a rural health nurse’s aid program until she retired in 1996. After retirement, Phil and Alice returned to Thatcher. They served together at the EAC Institute, the Gila Valley Temple, and on a mission to South Africa.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Phil, and by ten brothers and sisters. She is survived by their children, Dale Prey, Lauri Avila, Brian Prey, and Alison Palmer. Phil and Alice have five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at McDougal Caldwell Funeral Chapel from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Graveside services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Eden Cemetery, Eden, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your local food bank in Alice’s honor.