Alta Koons

Alta passed away at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at age 96. She suffered through the progression of Alzheimer's the last few years. Alta was born February 6, 1919 in Norcatur, Kansas and moved to southeast Colorado where she grew up during the dust bowl and drought of the 1930's. She remembered the hardships of "the dry lands" very well. In 1935, the family moved to Canon City, Colorado where she met and married Gerald Koons on July 10, 1937. She and Gerald enjoyed 61 years together. Two daughters, Lois and Shirley, were born in Colorado, and in 1942 the family moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico where Gerald was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad. After retirement the couple moved to Borger, Texas and worked in the construction business for a couple years and then started training and racing race horses at all of the New Mexico tracks. They settled in Raton, New Mexico. In 2009, Alta moved to the Prairie Pines Lodge in Chadron, Nebraska. She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Raton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, in 1998, three brothers, and granddaughter, Becky Sellman, in 2011. She is survived by daughters, Lois Payton (George) of Borger, Texas and Shirley Sellman (Tom) of Chadron, Nebraska. Also Surviving are four grandchildren, Tammy Lumpkin (Mike) of Midland, Texas, Gerald Payton (Stephanie) of Borger, Texas, Robin Meeks (Brent) of Taylor, Nebraska, Richard Sellman (Shirley J) of Chadron, Nebraska and ten great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial has been established for Prairie Pines Lodge. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337. ��½��½

Service:

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 ~ 10:00 AM

Holt Funeral Home ~ Canon City, Colorado