Alta Mae Wadsworth

Alta Mae (Crater) Wadsworth, 83, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away, peacefully on August 3, 2020, at her home of twenty years following a lingering illness. Alta was born October 7, 1936, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Alfred William Crater and Edna Faye Graeber. Alta attended Wilson Elementary and Phoenix Union High School class of 1955. After graduation she worked as a long-distance telephone switchboard operator. She and Ralph lived in California, Arizona, Idaho and Utah as they raised their children. Alta stayed home with them most of their childhoods preferring to care for the home and family to being a career woman. She had studied child care in school and was a gifted mother. After the children were reared she went to work for Beneficial Life in Salt Lake City as a premiums receipt clerk. She loved so much going to the company gatherings with some of the Apostles of the Church. It was a wonderful experience for her and one that she talked about fondly long after retiring from Beneficial.

Alta is survived by her husband of sixty two years, Ralph, their five children: Mark (Jean) Wadsworth, Michael (Susan) Wadsworth, Julie Wadsworth, Joni (Michael) Williams, and Sandra (Michael) Wise, fourteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her older sister, Evelyn Garcia, her younger sister, Joyce (Eugene) Curtis, two half-brothers, Michael Smith and David (Roxanne) Smith and stepfather, Louis Smith (Lee Sweetman).

Alta was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was a woman of great faith and she had an abiding testimony of her Savior. She testified often of her belief to her children. Her favorite service calling was as a nursery teacher. She dearly loved the little children. Alta was a loving person who was kind and generous. She served whenever she was asked. Alta loved everyone, and everyone who knew her loved her. She will be greatly missed!

ODE TO ALTA

(An Ode is a poem or expressive statement describing one’s virtues and characteristics.)

ALTA: The name itself exudes royalty, nobility, or an elevated station.

The name in Spanish means, “Highness”.

ODE to ALTA

Written and read by her admiring husband, who, after years of blindness, came to see her as the valued treasure she really is, a glistening gem, a diamond named, “ALTA”.

The crest of her head is adorned with golden strands like a gossamer tiara shimmering in the morning sunlight.

Her mind seeks the truth, always. It is steadfast in sharing light and knowledge and offers love to all. It exerts mental effort to gain wisdom and understanding, and to develop skills and talents.

Her face, lovely in features, glows with enthusiasm and is fascinated with the creations of life and the wonders of nature.

Her eyes, ever seeking and finding the good in others, sparkle with the light of Christ and the love of God.

Her ears, so sensitive to the sounds of uplifting music, the spoken word of God, the subtle yen of one pleading for a friendly visit or a word of comfort and encouragement.

Her mouth, full of favorable comments, praise, comfort, and encouragement. Because of her love for and interest in her fellow beings, questions come, in order for her to perceive a need she may address.

Her tongue, never prone to tell an untrue tale, speaks only that which is honest and true.

Her lips, so soft and sweet, kiss away the salty tears of a troubled child, and quick to soothe, comfort and chase away any semblance of fear and pain.

Her neck, firm in directing her regal head to a straight road, turning neither to the right nor the left, but forward following the path of all righteousness.

Her shoulders, tho not broad, are strong and resolute in their determination to do good, minister, faithfully bare the burdens of life, serve, and follow the savior.

Her arms, always willing to lovingly hold and embrace, cuddle and enfold infants, babies, sweet little children, (her own or those of another mother), and to provide a comforting and encouraging hug to family member or friend alike.

Her hands, outstretched to any and all in need of help, to lighten loads, ease burdens, come early, stay late until the work is done. Hands teeming with talent for sewing, drawing, cooking and helping.

Her heart is noble and full of love for God and all His children. It beats a rhythm of relentless love for her children, and radiates an earnest and passionate regard for their welfare and wellbeing.

Her back has born the burden of daily labor which accompanied the carrying, bearing, nurturing and caring for the little ones, and the supporting, comforting, encouraging and enduring a mate.

Her bosom, soft and warm, provided comfort, security, peace and nourishment for the God-given infants entrusted to her care.

Her womb wherein were formed the essential components of mortal tabernacles to house God’s spirit children.

Her legs, the sturdy columns of flesh and bone, blood and sinew, supporting and fortifying the sacred Temple that embodies the spirit of God.

Her feet, shod with the desire to always tread the pathway leading to eternal life, and swift to overtake obedience and righteousness.

Her spirit that elicited shouts of joy from the angels of heaven as they celebrated her departure from their presence, to sojourn in the mortal realm, for they knew that she would be faithful here as she had been there. A spirit empowered with resolute determination to do what is right, and the dogged perseverance to pursue truth and righteousness. A spirit that above all else wishes to love God and obey his commandments.