Alta Jo Harrington Hoggan

Alta Jo Harrington Hoggan, aka Tootsie, was called home on October 6, 2024 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah December 18, 1938, the daughter of Joseph Wayne Harrington and Alta Emma Roos. She grew up in the Avenues and was active in many school clubs taking a special interest in drama, fashion design and creative dance. She was under the tutelage of Virginia Tanner and developed a special relationship leading her to be one of Virginia's flower girls. She enjoyed participating in student government and was outgoing and kind and made friends easily. She graduated from West High School. She attended the University of Utah where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Sorority. In 1960, she married her childhood sweetheart David Martin Hoggan in Memory Grove, later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.
As a newly married couple, Alta Jo and David were not afraid of adventures, moving their new and growing family to Tacoma WA, Pendleton OR, Missoula MT, Boise and Twin Falls ID, eventually returning to Salt Lake. She became the Mother of 7 beautiful children along the way. Alta Jo was exceptional with her hands and heart. She developed her talents as a seamstress designing and creating pretty dresses for herself and daughters throughout her life. Every child and many grandchildren have a favorite Christmas blanket made by Alta's hands.
She was also an amazing cook, making homemade meals and gathering the growing family around the dinner table on Sunday afternoons was a tradition that lasted many decades. Her homemade fudge has been devoured by the spoonful at many a family party. She had a free spirit and loved to dance and celebrate on birthdays and Holidays. Alta Jo had a way of making everyone feel cared for, supported, and deeply loved, no matter the circumstances. Her heart was open to all, and her love never wavered. She always left you better than she found you. Her children and grandchildren meant everything in the world to her and she would do anything to help them be happy. All call her blessed.
She served diligently in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but her favorite was activity days and serving the youth of her Ward. David and Alta Jo cherished their time serving in the Inner City Mission loving all those they served. She loved her home and opened her doors to all and developed life long friendships with her neighbors.
She was fierce in her love and protection of her children and grandchildren. She had a firm testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and exemplified it with her actions. Alta Jo is an elect lady who showed Christlike love to all. We will miss you Alta Jo. Eternal life is real and Families are Forever.
Alta Jo is survived by her sister, Linda (Ren); and her children, Stacey Yagi (Randy), Hilarie Robinson (Don), Alex Hoggan (Suzanne), Kearney Hoggan (Paula), Melissa Blackham (Michael), Jim Hoggan (Lindie), Tom Hoggan (Rebecca), and her 23 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Alta Jo is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, David Martin.
We thank everyone who has shown our family love and support at this time. Viewing services will be held on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 from 5:30-7:30 at Larkin Sunset Lawn on 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, 84108. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 11th at 11am at 2080 East 5165 South (Donelson Lane), Holladay, 84117 with a viewing at 10am prior to the service.
Those wishing to view the COMPLETED service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/J40EnM7k6WQ7bV36Q7Bt4_2olJKUZtkwJze326PFY9sQ2h9rtIGNK8ugp6se1TYL.3PR05oUrS4igfcPv?startTime=1728664665000