Alta Grace Carpenter

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the grace of Alta Grace Carpenter. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Alta was a compassionate woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Alta was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on December 28, 1913, Alta showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Alta came into this world at Laurens Hospital in Laurens, Iowa. Her parents were Francis and Clara Putnam. Alta was raised in Laurens Iowa.

Because fellowship was so important to her, Alta promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with five siblings. She had two older brothers, Stacy and Francis; two older sisters, Mary and Gladys and one younger sister, Lola. Alta was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Alta was considered by many to be a high achiever. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. She attened Laurens High School.

Alta was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Alta was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Alta supported her family to reach its full potential. Alta was blessed with two children, two sons, James and George. They were also blessed with four grand children: Frank, Alan, Bill and Lana; and, seven great grand children: Benjamin, Michael, Randi, Andrew, Nicholas, Mikayla, and Mitchell.

Alta projected a subtle but positive influence as a nurse. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Alta was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Alta could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary vocation was as a nurse and she was employed for 20 years in hospitals and nursing homes.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Alta was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Alta took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were cooking and camping. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Alta was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Alta's favorites was Princess, a doberman. They were best friends for 4 years. Her family was rounded out by her cherished birds and cats.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Alta accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1976, and Alta was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Sacramento, California and moved to Salmon, Idaho. In retirement, she found new pleasure in camping and fishing with her husband in Montana.

Alta passed away on November 5, 2011 at Providence Health Care, Downers Grove, Illinois. She is survived by her son George; grandchildren: Frank, Alan, Bill and Lana; and, great grandchildren: Benjamin, Michael, Randi, Andrew, Nicholas, Mikayla, and Mitchell. Services were held at Blake Lamb Funeral Home, Lisle, Illinois. Alta was laid to rest beside her husband Frank in Salmon City Cemetery in Salmon, Idaho.

Though she could be a private person at times, Alta was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Alta carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Alta Grace Carpenter shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Alta for the strength of her convictions.

Alta Grace Carpenter, 97, nee Putnam, Beloved wife of the late Frank, Devoted mother of George (Kathryn) Carpenter and the late James (Dorothy) Carpenter. Loving Grandmother of Frank (Beth), Alan (Laura), Bill, and Lana (Billy) Ray. Cherished Great Grandmother of Benjamin, Andrew, Michael, Nicholas, Mikayla, Mitchell and Randi. Visitation Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 9-11 a.m., with Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle, Illinois. Burial will be in Salmon, Idaho. For addition information call the funeral home at 630-964-9392.