Alice Neihardt Thompson
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Alice Neihardt Thompson began her Great Adventure on Saturday, June 27, 2020. At the time of her passing, she was a resident of the Mexico Veterans Home in Mexico, Missouri. Her children Lynn and Erica and longtime personal caretaker Firehawk Warren were by her side. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Mexico Veterans Home for their special care every day and night.
Alice was born August 4, 1921 in Branson, Missouri. Her parents were John G. Neihardt, poet and writer, and Mona Martensen Neihardt, sculptress and great mom. Alice and her three siblings, Sigurd, Enid and Hilda, were raised in Branson because it reminded Mona of the Black Forrest where she grew up in Germany.
In 1939, Alice took ballet from Madam Cassan in St. Louis, Missouri. She and her troupe of dancers performed across the United States and Mexico.
After a stint as a Navy WAVE during the Second World War, Alice and her family moved to Columbia, Missouri to her beloved Skyrim Farm. She began Skyrim Stables in 1951. Alice dedicated her life to her love of horses and for decades, she infected others with that love. With the guidance of her friend and mentor, Uncle Dick Cook, she learned the craft of training and showing Saddlebred horses. She not only mastered the craft; Alice broke down barriers that set the stage for women in the showring today. Fifty years ago, she was showing her beloved stallion Skyrim’s Bourbon Stonewall in professional classes against the best male trainers of the era. She pushed into the male dominated world of professional horsemen and never seemed to find a barrier that applied to her.
Alice always saw things her own way and she saw them clearly. Her enthusiasm was infectious. She brought many young people into the Saddlebred world as a result. Lessons were for everyone who wanted to learn and many did, including those who could not have afforded to be involved in any other barn.
If you ever talked with Alice, you could tell immediately how intensely and passionately she felt about horses and people and the arts that she loved. Where it was opera, dance, horses or spiritualism, she let you know it was important. There was always a twinkle in those blue eyes and an animation from her petite dancer’s form that energized the room. Whether she was talking about a horse or her father’s writings, you could feel something there that transcended normal interactions.
A celebration of life will take place on August 1, 2020 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Skyrim House. Alice’s loving family takes solace in the knowledge that she’s back in a ring of greats with her parents, Black Elk, Dick and of course, riding Bourbon once again.
My dear lady, you will be missed…I know you’re at peace and I’m blessed to have been there to help you begin your new journey. Lynn, I will miss you phone calls; you and your family are in my prayers!
Alice you was a wonderful woman with so many stories to tell. I loved to hear you sing and loved to hear you read your book. That contagious laugh you had will definitely be missed. I love you and your family so much. You will definitely be missed. Fly high soldier you have your wings now. My condolences to Lynn and Erika
Alice will dearly be missed! I always enjoyed walking with her and listening to her stories! A remarkable woman! Lynn and Erica- you will be in my thoughts.
Alice was a precious soul! She was so passionate about her life and stories. You knew it was going to be a good day when she was beautifully singing! She will be greatly missed! ??
Alice was a one of a kind special spirited lady who I loved sharing horse pictures with! She will be missed and leaves an awesome legacy behind. Soar high my friend ‘til we ride again’ ??
Deepest condolences to the family. Alice taught us not only how to ride and show horses but how to be strong, resilient, and confident. She was a truly remarkable person and her legacy will traverse generations. We and the world are so much better by knowing her
My condolences to Lynn, Erika and families. Alice was a true treasure to my family. She taught me more than just how to show a powerful animal. She taught kindness, compassion, determination and love. My parents became great friends of hers and so enjoyed her company. I can still smell the barn and hear the horses, and her always talking, even as she was walking away from me! I enjoyed her 90th birthday and taking my daughter to see Skyrim Stables that day. Alice was one of a kind and I hold the memories of her and Skyrim close to my heart.
Alice – you are one of a kind..
All I learned of the ASB was from you – no better teacher on earth.
Picking stalls, loading the manure wagon & making a track – those were days I’ll remember for my entire life..
I was fortunate to meet Skyrim’s Bourbon Stonewall … no words…
My daughter is now riding and showing saddlebreds… I give her a few tips now & then…
Forty years sure went by rather quickly..
We will see each other again – till then…
Kevin
Her words , friendship , zest of life , enthusiasm , joy and laughter have elevated my life to a new dimension.
Like her father’s works and her mother’s art, Alice’s presence made the grass greener to the likening of the description Black Elk gave her dad , that of Flaming Rainbow!
Skyrim….the Center of the earth. The Great Adventure…a book beyond all books.
Alice, you changed our lives forever for the better. I’m so fortunate that I have so many wonderful memories of you and your enthusiasm for life. I cherish all of this and your wonderful words. Erica and Lynn, what a treasure she was. I count myself blest that I was one who was fortunate to know her.
Our condolences to Lynn, Erika and families. I’m so sorry we did not know when she passed. Alice will be missed. My sisters and I have lots of great memories of Alice, the horses, horse shows and Uncle Dick. Those were the days! We lost our sister, Linda, June 2nd. I can just imagine Linda and Alice talking horses now. We are all truly blessed to have know Alice.
Aunt Alice, I know the adventures you’re having and I’m so glad to know you’re among your dearest once more. All my love, respect and gratitude.
Alice, you made a tremendous impact on my life. The years I worked at Skyrim were transformative and gave me a much greater understanding of what is important in life. I can only imagine the journey you are on now.