Alta M. Stech

Alta Davis Stech was born on a farm one mile south and one-half mile east of Glen Elder, Kansas, on Christmas day, December 25, 1917 to Norris LeRoy and Augusta Margaret Weidenhaft Davis. She was the youngest of seven children in the family, five boys and two girls. Although her father died when Alta was one year old, the family continued to operate the family farm. They were members of the United Methodist Church at Glen Elder, KS and they all attended Sunday school from an early age.

Alta graduated from the Glen Elder High School with the class of 1935. She met Sgt. Irwin Stech on a blind date and they were married on July 30, 1941 in Grand Island, Nebraska. They made their home in San Luis Obispo and Santa Monica, California until Irwin left for overseas duty. Alta returned to Omaha, Nebraska and worked at the Glen L. Martin defense plant, as a riveter, until the war was over.

A daughter, Norma Joy was born in March of 1943 and died at birth. Their son Terrence Vaughn was born in 1947 and daughter Darcel Dee in 1953. Later they returned to Kansas to make their home in Cawker City. They purchased the Davis Recreation and later the Tipton locker meat plant and operated them for a number of years. Alta had a children's preschool in her home and helped organize and manage the first lunch room operating in the Cawker City schools, working there for several years. Later, she secured a position as a postal clerk at the Cawker City post office. Later, she was appointed Postmaster and retired from the Postal Service in August, 1983, serving a total of twenty-seven years.

Irwin and Alta were privileged to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in July, 1991. After Irwin passed away in 1997, she was still able to live in their home they built and enjoy grandchildren's visits and attend their school activities. In later years, Alta enjoyed politics, reading books from the local library, decorating her home, and spending time with both her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was so very proud of them all.
Alta was a member of the United Methodist Church of Cawker City, a 62 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and a life member of the Cawker City Senior Center. Her constant companion was her shih-tzu dog, Chloe, a gift from her granddaughter, Darshay. Alta was also involved in many charitable projects, including the Haiti Love and Faith orphanage.

Alta passed away on May 4th, 2012, at the age of 94 years, 4 months, and 9 days. All of Alta's brothers and sisters preceded her in death. She was preceded by an infant daughter, Norma Joy; brothers Howard, Glen Elder; Elmer, Silver Spring, Maryland; Floyd, Cawker City; Esther Neifert, Glen Elder; Albert, Glen Elder; and Raymond, Portis, KS.

Survivors include, son Terrence Stech and his wife Karen of Overland Park, KS and daughter Darcel Rexroat and her husband Bruce of Downs, KS. Nine grandchildren, Sydney Hmiewlewski and her husband Jim, Gardner, KS; Cody Stech and his wife LaTina, Raytown, MO; Desi Richards and her husband Nate, Beloit, KS; Darshay Frederking and her husband Eric, Sylvan Grove, KS; Deaira Pfortmiller and boyfriend Tyson LeSage, Hays, KS; Jake Rexroat and wife Tara, Lansing, KS; Jenny Meyers and husband Brandon, Andale, KS; Jim Williams of Leawood, KS; and Brian Williams of Scottsdale, AZ. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Harper and Elise Hmiewlewski; Jazmine Knight and Reaghan Stech, Reese and Rowan Richards, Kenzley and Kelton Frederking; Courtney and Caitlyn Rexroat; Noah, Jonah, and Emma Meyers. A sister-in-law, Alvena Davis, Portis, KS; and several nieces, nephews, and friends, including a very devoted friend, Velda Bowman.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 8 at the Cawker City United Methodist Church followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery in Glen Elder. Visitation will be from 6-7:30 PM Monday at the Church. Memorials may be given to the Church.