Alesa Kay Van Ess was many things to so many people. To John, she was a patient wife, to Peter (AnneMarie) and Jessica she was a devoted Mom and friend. She was The Gramanator to SEVEN amazing grandchildren and Gram to so many others that needed a grandma in their lives. She was not just a friend, she was the friend who always answered your calls, the friend who would said yes whenever help was needed, and lets be real... she was not the friend you called when you needed bail money, she was the friend who would have been sitting next to you in the cell!
God sent Alesa Kay (Littlefield) Van Ess into the world on April 18, 1954 to Burton Fain and Viva J (Wharton) Littlefield, in Abilene, Texas. After God decided she had already done so much for the world he called her home to be with Him on December 2, 2023 after a short, courageous battle with cancer. We all know how much Alesa hated Goodbyes, so we believe God allowed her battle to be short so she was able to avoid those long goodbyes. She wanted our last memories of her to be happy and fun, not a tearful goodbye.
Alesa graduated from Abilene High School in 1972, and it was the joy of her life to be on the planning committee for their 50th Reunion in 2022. In fact, for a whole year it was all she talked about. Alesa met John as she was graduating from college at Abilene Christian College (now University). John was in the Air Force, stationed at Dyess AFB. After just a year of dating they married in September 1976. They settled in Abilene, eventually moving to San Antonio in 1989 along with their children. Alesa held many jobs over the years, and was best at jobs that allowed her to interact with people.
In 2016 Alesa retired from USAA where she was a banker, and loved her work with the Military Members and their Families. She spent much of her time at USAA on the Pre-Com Loans team, and traveled to many different military affiliated colleges and universities.
Travel was one of Alesa’s favorite pastimes. She loved to explore new places, but Las Vegas was always her go-to favorite. She loved the people watching, the food options and was a big spender with her $40 a day gambling limit! Besides travel, Alesa loved to cook and bake, especially with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered for the being the Gram who said YES to all things sugary and delicious. Best known for BIG CAKE, she loved blessing people with things made in her kitchen.
Alesa was the mom who never missed a volleyball, football, baseball, and softball game, or church activity that Peter and Jessica participated in. She was a great mom to us as kids, but an even better friend and grandmother to us and our children as adults.
As you know, Alesa loved a good party! She loved weddings, baby showers, or just an afternoon having a margarita with friends. While she would attend funerals, she didn’t like them, and threatened us to never have one for her. So, in honor of Alesa, we will be having a party to celebrate her life on April 14, 2024, just a few days shy of her 70th birthday. We hope you can join us in a come-and-go style celebration of life at La Hacienda Scenic Loop, 25615 Boerne Stage Road, San Antonio, TX 78255 between 2-5 pm.
In lieu of flowers or other items please bring a favorite photo or story of Alesa to share with her family.

Alesa passed away after a short illness. It isn't right that I'm having to add her to this page!

There will not be a funeral because she hated them and a party instead. The family will have a party in April around her 70th birthday. This is how she would want to be remembered! Having a great time with friends.
This is the example Karen Joyner Mitchell shared today:  You know how the jets fly in formation and one pulls out of the formation to signify the loss🦅 🦅🦅.
Fly HIGH Alesa 💛🖤