Meet Alta

Meet Alta

Alta grew up in a big family in Cohasset, Minnesota. The second oldest of ten kids, she is no stranger to hard work or taking care of others. Although she says she didn’t mind it at all. She helped her mom take care of her younger siblings, cleaned and ironed the “crunchy” laundry after being dried on the clothesline.

Alta attended nine years school in Cohasset and finished her final high school years in Grand Rapids. After high school, she worked for a short while in a match factory in Cloquet. She met her husband, Willard when he was working at the Civilian Conservation Camp. They dated for four years while he was in the Navy, writing letters and seeing each other when he was on leave. When asked what she loved most about Willard, Alta said, “he was just the nicest guy and a wonderful father.”

They got married when Alta was 20 years old. They moved to Eden Valley where Willard got a job as a mail carrier with the Post Office. Alta became a homemaker and took care of their two beautiful children, Greg and LaVonne. Willard loved to garden so Alta canned all the vegetables and fruits. Their pantry was always full. She said, “my life was good!”

Alta has six grandchildren. LaVonne and Donny had one son, Wade who now lives in Clearwater and twins, Wade who lives in Moorhead and Wendy who lives in Michigan. Greg and Brenda had three girls; Samantha and Sara live in the Cities and Sabrina lives in Winona where she goes to college.

Alta and Willard were married for 69 wonderful years before he passed away. Alta stayed in Eden Valley for a few years before selling her house and moving to Shepherd of Grace in November 2014 to be closer to her son.  She really didn’t think she’d be here longer than the winter, but Greg asked her to stay. She said, “I don’t know what I’d do without Greg. He helps me with whatever I need.” Alta likes that she doesn’t have to take care of any upkeep and she really enjoys her friendly neighbors and the meals.

These days Alta stays busy participating in the activities on campus. She enjoys BINGO, our great entertainment and playing some of the dice and card games.

We are proud to have Alta call Shepherd of Grace home.

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