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Alta Tolman Obituary
Alta was born on June 27, 1917, in Kanesville, Utah, to Alma LaVoy and Pearl Elva Bingham Wilson. She attended schools in Farmington, Utah; Ithaca, N.Y.; and Logan. She graduated from Logan High School and Utah State University. After graduation she taught home economics at Tabiona High, Lyman (Wyoming) High and South Cache High. She married Elden Arthur Tolman in the Logan LDS Temple on June 19, 1944. Elden died on Oct. 6, 1952. Their four children and their spouses are Ellen and David L. Haddock of North Ogden, Marie Donigan and Thomas W. and Verla Tolman of Logan, and Shirley and Patrick G. Wolcott of Barstow, Calif.
After her husband's death she supported her family for a few years with various home industries, she then returned to USU and earned her elementary teaching certificate. She taught at Wilson Elementary School from 1956 to 1982. Besides her skill in the classroom, the school benefitted from her musical abilities, and for a few years after retirement she returned to play the piano for school programs.
After retirement, her lifelong interests in music, gardening, nature and travel continued. She developed long-dormant talents on the organ and served in many church callings (including working in the cafeteria at the Logan LDS Temple). She was valiant in her church attendance and service. As long as her health allowed she faithfully attended the temple.
For more than 25 years the residents of Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center enjoyed her lunchtime piano programs of old favorites. She served a mission in the Colorado Denver LDS Mission in 1986, part of the time working with Cambodians. She enjoyed her long associations with members of the Literary League book club and Delta Kappa Gamma.
She was preceded in death by her husband, two grandchildren and brothers, Warren, Alma and David. She is survived by her four children, 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and five more greats on the way. She was devoted to her family. We are all grateful for the example of testimony, strength, hard work and service she set; and for the love of music, nature, reading and adventure she shared.
Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, Dec. 23, in the Logan 5th Ward Chapel, 500 E. 300 North, Logan. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St., Logan, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, prior to services. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net.
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Memories and Condolences
for Alta Tolman
January 2, 2010
To the Family of Alta Tolman,
Even though I was in the company of your mother for a short time while she was visiting in Barstow, I recognized her greatness. But then, I had become friends with her daughter, Shirley, and knew Shirley's mother was an awesome woman. Give thanks everyday for her goodness and love. I am grateful to know Shirley and stand in awe as to what Shirley accomplishes.
May the Lord continue to bless your family as you remember your mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother.
Lynda Conder
December 28, 2009
Dear Shirley and family~
We were saddened by the death of your dear Mother. She was always such a positive, happy, loving person. It was a joy to know her. We also appreciated her as a great teacher at Wilson school. She will be missed.
We are still in New Zealand and were unable to attend her services, but she is in our thoughts.
Her life was a blessing to many.
Bob and Marcia Sorenson
Christine Wilson Sabo
December 25, 2009
Dear Tom Ellen Shirley and Marie,
I am sad to hear of Aunt Alta's passing. Though we don't get to Utah to see the family often, I am very grateful my son and I had a chance to visit with Alta and Marie last summer. I am blessed that Elijah was able to meet my Dad's sister! He enjoyed hearing some of the stories...Our thoughts and Prayers will be with you and the whole family! Much love, Chris and Elijah Wilson Sabo
MyrtleRae Tolman Parker
December 23, 2009
Dear Ellen, Marie, Tom & Shirley,
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Alta. I remember staying with her and uncle Elden when Ellen and Marie were small. She cooked fried, green tomatoes - the only time I have eaten them - they were wonderful. I loved going to uncle Elden and Aunt Alta's. They were two of my favorites.
We wish we could be with all of you today. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sending a donation to the Church Missionary Fund in Aunt Alta's name.
We send our love, DeLoy & MyrtleRae Tolman Parker
Kathleen Wistisen
December 22, 2009
To Ellen, Marie, Tom and Shirley;
What a special mom you had. It was an honor to have her for an aunt and how wonderful it was to see her in the temple. It was so good that you could live close and she could see her grandchildren grow. What an amazing example she was to us all. We have big shoes to fill when it comes to keeping up with the heritage we have.
Kathleen Tolman Wistisen
December 22, 2009
To Ellen, Marie, Tom and Shirley;
What a special mom you had. It was an honor to have her for an aunt and how wonderful it was to see her in the temple. It was so good that you could live close and she could see her grandchildren grow. What an amazing example she was to us all. We have big shoes to fill when it comes to keeping up with the heritage we have.
Larry Chatterton
December 22, 2009
Mrs. Tolman was one of the teachers that I always remembered from Wilson elementary. She helped make my 3rd grade year memorable. I think she taught us how to make butter by shaking milk in a jar. I will pass that along to my kids. Condulences to the family.
Sharik Peck
December 21, 2009
I had the honor of helping Alta learn to swim in 1991-92. She was a delightful person! I have not crossed her path since 1992 but I will never forget her excitement for life!
Ronald Jensen
December 21, 2009
My condolences to the Tom Tolman family on the death of their mother and grandmother.
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