Alicia Fawn Higbie Maes, 35, passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula from complications from lupus.

She was born in Butte on May 6, 1978, to William and Debra (Thiessen) Higbie and graduated from Butte High School.

She then attended Western Montana College where she graduated with a degree in history and a minor in business with emphasis on political science. Alicia had taught business in Poplar, one year of history at Three Forks and had also taught business at Butte Central until she had to retire from teaching due to her illness.

On May 2, 2009 she married Bob Maes in Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Butte.

Alicia was diagnosed with Lupus in 2010 but throughout her illness she had a positive attitude and enjoyed life to the fullest. She enjoyed crafts and was very adept at designing projects on her computer.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Bob Maes of Butte; parents, William and Debbie Higbie of Butte; grandparents, Shirley and Wilbur Schwartzendruber of Butte; parents-in-law, Bob and Lynnette Maes of Anaconda; and brothers-in-law and sister in law, Jim Maes, Nick Maes and Ali Maes, all of Anaconda. Also surviving are nephews and nieces, Kain Maes, Reid Maes and Kassidy Maes, as well as numerous aunts and uncles, including Karen Rogers, Bonnie Wambles, Barbara Radi, Betty Toomer, Lester Thiessen and Richard Kennedy.

She will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know her and whose lives she touched. She is now at peace and free of pain.

In accordance with her requests, cremation has taken place.

Celebration of Life services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, in Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Rev. Dave Andersen officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The family requests that memorials be made to Lupus Foundation of America, 800 5th Ave., Suite 4100, Seattle, Wash. 98104.

Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve Alicia's family.