Alta Rowley

Alta May Aitken Rowley, age 91, passed away Sept. 26, 2016, peacefully and quietly, and surrounded by love. She was born in Lake Shore, Utah on Jan. 22, 1925, the second of eight children to James Aitken and Mary Stoker. She married her sweetheart and love of her life, on May 20, 1942 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Alta's family is comforted to know that through the gospel of Jesus Christ, the two of them are together again.

Growing up during the Depression, Alta was a proponent of the qualities of hard work and frugality. She was happiest when she had something to do, and had family to serve. She met her husband, Delo Marvin Rowley, at a young age, and he was the first to see in her what her family will miss: her cheerful service, unlimited charity, unwavering faith, and loving hugs.

Alta loved music! Though she never learned to play the piano herself, she surrounded her life and home with music. She was known for her singing voice and she participated in plays and choirs as often as possible, including the International Singing Mothers and the Madsen Memorial Chorus. She encouraged musical participation in all her children, and was pleased they all learned to play the piano and other instruments. Many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are learning to play instruments as well due to her encouragement.

Alta was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in almost every possible calling in the church. She and Delo also served a mission together in England. When her beloved passed in 1996, she again dedicated herself to her passion of family history, writing and publishing stories of her ancestors for posterity.

Alta is survived by her children Keith Rowley (Priscilla), DeAnna Johnson (Lewis), Brent Rowley (Duani), Leon Rowley (Becky), Marie Wilding (Wade) and Renee Winkler; 29 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by two brothers, Grant and Bert Aitken, and four sisters, Donna Measom, Ruth Thompson, Joyce Livingston, and Ann La Mothe.

She was preceded in death by her husband Delo, her two sons Glade and Kent, who died at birth, her brother Reed Aitken, son-in-law Eric Farley, and grandson Kent Farley.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 30, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the LDS chapel located at 575 South 400 West, Orem. Friends may join the family for a viewing Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the same chapel, and also on Friday one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.