MT. VERNON - Alice Compton, 87, of Peoria, Ariz., passed away quietly with family by her side on Jan. 7, 2011, at Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Ariz. She was born in Jefferson County on Sept. 15, 1923, to Charlotta (Slicker) and Alvin Hails. She is survived by her loving spouse, Alfred (Marvin) Compton and her only child Greg Compton (Sharon). Alice also has 4 grandchildren: Doug Compton (Amber), Steven Baltz (Joan), Kristin Stenger (Justin) and Julie Stenger (Brandon). She is also survived by 6 great grandchildren, Jack, Kate, Skyler, Kayden, Andrew (AJ) and Benjamin. Alice and Alfred shared 69 years of marriage and were fortunate to travel to many countries including Austria, the Holy Lands, Scotland and Egypt. They spent several years during the war in Washington, where Alice had the opportunity to work as a code operator on the Manhattan Project, which was the codename for an Allied project conducted during World War II to develop the first atomic bomb. She reported directly to Commander Groves. Visitation will be held at Stygar Funeral Home in St. Charles, Mo. on Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. with service following at 4 p.m. Alice will be laid to rest in Mt. Vernon. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the National Arthritis Foundation