Alta Cooper Redford Brenchley

Our sweet and beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt, Alta Cooper Brenchley, at the age of 93 passed away peacefully Thursday, August 14, 2003 in Logan, Utah. Alta was born on July 29, 1910, in Mt. Sterling, Utah, the fifth child of Joseph Parker Cooper and Eleanor Dell Redford Cooper. Her childhood was filled with many happy hours of growing up on the farm. She loved being with her father. Because of an illness of her mother, she started attending the elementary school at age seven in Wellsville where she was a top student in all grades. She enjoyed junior high and high school activities, graduating from South Cache High School. She attended Utah State Agricultural College and as a freshman was Miss USAC. She married her high school sweetheart, Preston H. Brenchley, upon his return from the North-Central States mission on November 11, 1931, in the Logan Temple. Alta has been active in community affairs, serving on Cache and Wellsville Committees. She and her husband received the Outstanding Citizen award from Wellsville City 1987. She has served in the MIA, Relief Society and Primary organizations for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She did love her Junior Girls and Gleaners. Teaching Relief Society was a great experience for her and she read much for preparation. She loved being the Primary Chorister for 19 years, this being a favorite. She enjoyed her 15 years as a temple officiator. She was a member of the Daughter of Utah Pioneers, Peter Maughan Camp and Jr. Literary Club. Alta, along with her husband, owned and operated Brenchley?s Hardware, selflessly serving Wellsville for 30 years, as he maintained the blacksmith shop, following in the footsteps of his father and uncles. Nauvoo was where she and her husband were called to serve a mission in 1976-1978. She assisted him in his Patriarch calling and was again a chorister for the mission. During their mission, she researched and prepared a historic monologue sketch featuring the life of Emma Hale Smith and her devotion and love of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Upon their return from Nauvoo, she gave more than 184 presentations from Boise to Provo, and many stakes and wards in the valley. Alta?s hobbies and skills are sewing, cooking and music. She was a ward choir member for 50 years. Gardening was a lifelong hobby and was particular with the appearance of her yard and flower gardens. She loved to entertain and has been a gracious hostess by continually welcoming new, as well as old, friends into her home. Alta energetically encouraged her children?s activities and achievements. Music, academics and good work ethics were stressed for success. Alta is survived by her children: Deonne Ivan Christensen, Providence, Utah; J Paul Lynda Brenchley, Mesa, Arizona; Richard C. Cheryl Brenchley, American Fork, Utah; Lynn C. Villa Brenchley, Providence, Utah; Mark C. Mary Brenchley, Logan, Utah; 30 grandchildren and 77 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant son, daughter Carla Jean Robert Eliason, and daughter-in-law Yvonne K. Brenchley, sister Ida C. Griffin, brothers: Henry R. Cooper, Lewis R. Cooper, Marvin R. Cooper, Luther R. Cooper and Carl R. Cooper. She is also survived by sisters Eleanor R. Mathews, Logan, Utah; Ruth C. Maughan, American Fork; Norma C. Baxter, Hillsboro, Oregon. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Providence Assisted Living and Terrace Grove Assisted Living Centers and the excellent care given her by Hospice Alliance. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m at the Wellsville Stake Center, 30 South Center, with Bishop Neil Dixon conducting. Friends and family may call at the State Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be in the Wellsville Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be extended online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .