Renee Alyea, a longtime resident of Alaska, was 76 when she left this life peacefully, after suffering complications from a brain aneurysm as well as lung cancer, on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 in Boise, Idaho. Renee was born February 1, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Donna Alice Thomas and Albert Crawford Nash. Her mom married David Jay Thomas when she was 8, and he was her beloved Dad ever after. They lived in Utah until 1951, when her folks decided to move to Alaska. She graduated from Anchorage High School in 1957 and then attended the University of Utah and University of Colorado. She returned to Alaska, and her family became homesteaders on the Kenai Peninsula, in the town of Soldotna, overlooking the beautiful Kenai River. Renee met David Vernon Hughes, who was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in 1959, and married him on February 29, 1960. It didn't take her long to realize that she loved his red hair, the twinkle in his eyes, and the fact that he looked good in a uniform! They had four children together while living in Alaska, Washington, and Idaho. Renee married Clifford P. Alyea on March 11, 1974 and she and her children moved to Tacoma, WA. In 1976, they moved to Boise, Idaho and remained there until the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1983. In Alaska, she joined her brother, Ronnie, driving taxi cabs in Anchorage. Loving people, and having the gift of gab, Renee enjoyed this job off and on for several years. Eventually she moved to "the Homestead" in Soldotna and had the pleasure of joining the other "old-timers" there, who were more like family than friends. She also took advantage of the fishing on the Kenai River, and built and operated a bed and breakfast appropriately named, "The Homestead on the River". Though short-lived, this venture brought her a great sense of accomplishment. Renee enjoyed bridge, knitting, her beloved dogs Willy and Hortense, reading a good book, and chatting on the phone. She also loved to travel and visited many distant lands throughout her life. Her favorite travels, however, were to spend time with her kids and grandkids, going on road-trips and spending holidays with them, as well as just hanging out at their homes. Her visits will be greatly missed by all... Renee was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Donna Thomas, as well as her brother, Ronald A. Nash. Renee is survived by her children Kathie (Devin) Cowan, Garry Hughes, Todd Hughes, Kristie (Kevin) Baker, as well as her 10 grandchildren: Ben, Alex, Spencer (Sarah), Skyler, Shannon (Bronson) & Meghan; Luke; and Daniel & Brianna; and her great-granddaughter, Denali. She is also survived by her former spouse, who became her best friend, Dave Hughes. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the many caregivers at the Friendship House of Marquis at Shaw Mountain, who shared Renee's laughter, endured her "whining", and showed her so much love and kindness throughout her stay there. St. Luke's Hospice also provided wonderful care and support during Renee's last months here on earth. A memorial of Renee's life will be held at the LDS Church, located at 3020 Cherry Lane in Boise, on Monday, October 19th at 11 a.m. in the Relief Society Room. Service: 11:00 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 3020 Cherry Lane Boise, ID 83705
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