Alta Josephine Durrant - Walker Funeral Home

Alta Josephine Durrant passed away December 11, 2020.

Alta was born to James Monroe Durrant and Echo Patricia Haynes Durrant November 25, 1938 in Payson, Utah, in the same house she spent the rest of her life in, surrounded by family she loved.

It is impossible to mention Alta without mentioning her sister Klara as they did almost everything together. Alta and Klara were inseparable, living together essentially from Klara’s birth to Alta’s death. Trips to visit Klara and Alta were always something to look forward to, full of laughter and joy as Klara and Alta would tease each other over anything and everything. The stories they would share about each other were simultaneously amusing and touching. They were true examples of the love and bonds of sisterhood.

Alta never married or had children of her own, so she considered her nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren as her own. Life was never dull with Aunt Alta around, especially when she chose to break out in song. Her many nieces and nephews will remember the adventurous times spent with Alta: family dinners and parties with her macaroni salad, road trips all over the western United States, sleepovers, and of course the annual event of putting up the Christmas tree and decorations.

When Alta worked at Barbizon, she cultivated deep friendships with her coworkers while representing them as a union representative as well as during the daily carpool. She loved working there and many of her stories would begin with “when I was at Barbizon.” She honed many of her creative skills working there that turned into hobbies throughout her life. She spent countless hours knitting, crocheting or embroidering intricate Christmas stockings, baby blessing outfits, blankets, religious clothing, and many other items for family that became treasured gifts and expressions of her love. Though Alta talked a lot and was more than willing to share her mind, she struggled to say how she felt about “her kids.” Her actions spoke louder than words.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Alta had the opportunity to serve in various callings, though her favorite was by far serving as a ward librarian. She was able to find many ways to serve others in that calling and enjoyed the challenge of finding what would best fit the requests and needs of her ward family. She also enjoyed the calling as it allowed her to serve with Klara. Alta is survived by her sister Klara Jean. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, James Monroe Durrant, Jr., and Thomas Haynes Durrant.

There will be a private family service Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson. A private visitation will be held from 10- 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. She will be interred at the Payson City Cemetery. There will be a Livestream of the funeral service available at the bottom of Alta’s obituary page.

Life will be a little duller without Alta’s singing, laughter, and conversation. Her spark and enjoyment of life will be missed by those who knew her, loved her and were loved by her. God be with you till we meet again.

Share Now

8 Condolences for Alta Josephine Durrant

Condolences(8)

Arnold Ainge says

December 15, 2020 at 2:07 am

Alta Jo and I lived in the Payson 4th ward and started school together at Peteetneet Elementary School and continued our education through the 12th grade, graduating from Payson High School in 1957. Alta Jo was always a friendly outgoing person who stayed involved in our ward and school activities. I’m glad I had her as a classmate and friend throughout my early and teenage years. I extend my condolences to her sister Klara Jean and extended family. May the Lord bless and comfort you as you experience the loss of a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with and for her family. Arnold Ainge PHS Class of 57

Patrick Stevenson says

December 15, 2020 at 3:46 am

My condolences to Klaus and Alta’s family. I worked with Alta at Fuel America in the 90s. I really enjoyed working with her and loved her funny, witty personality. She always put a smile on my face. She will be missed!

Carol Coray Peterson says

December 16, 2020 at 2:56 am

Dear Klara Jean, I have thought of you many times since we graduated from Payson High and wondered how you were doing. I remember your kindness and sense of humor. I think about those school days with great fondness. I never had a sister and envied those of you who did. It sounds like you and Alta Jo were great friends as well as sisters. I know you will miss her. I also know that there is hope and comfort when we lose a loved one. The Lord will watch over you in the coming days.

Valorie Beardall says

December 18, 2020 at 3:57 am

So sorry to hear about the passing of Alta Jo. I worked with Alta Jo at Barbizon. She was always the hit of the lace cutting department. I really enjoyed working with her. She will be missed!!!

Wendy Pope says

December 18, 2020 at 4:19 pm

My love and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of dear Alta. May your memories made and knowledge of God’s eternal plan sooth your hearts and bring peace.
Alta and Klara have always brought joy and laughter where ever they go. Their cute interaction and sense of humor delighted everyone around them.
The world will miss your spunky sparkle, Alta.

Mary Jones Pace says

December 18, 2020 at 4:56 pm

Just wanted to express to you, Klara Jean, my deep sympathy for the loss of your sister, Alta Jo! As a classmate of yours at Payson Junior High and Payson High School, I knew you and your sister very well. I remember how close you sisters were and loved to see that closeness because I didn’t have a sister myself. May you be comforted by the Savior, through the Holy Ghost, as you now move forward, in faith, with tender memories of your precious sister!!

Marilee Balls says

December 21, 2020 at 2:28 pm

Alta absolutely LOVED Christmas and decorating their tree was an important tradition! It was fun to listen to her stories about each decoration. I loved visiting them in their home and visiting Alta in hospitals and nursing facilities. She always had stories to share and helped others feel so important. Alta and Klara have always been the dynamic duo angels with giving hearts. They gave of their time, love, laughter, conversations, and stories. They were the first to want to help families in need at Christmas time. My girls and I will cherish the giving hearts of these two sisters as they gave money and sent us shopping for needy families and we returned to show them the gifts these two Christmas angels gave. The delight they had in sharing what they had with others is amazing!

Marilee Balls says

December 21, 2020 at 2:34 pm

Alta absolutely LOVED Christmas and decorating their tree was an important tradition! It was fun to listen to her stories about each decoration. I loved visiting them in their home and visiting Alta in hospitals and nursing facilities. She always helped others feel so important. Alta and Klara have always been the dynamic duo angels with giving hearts. They gave of their time, love, laughter, conversations, and stories. They were the first to want to help families in need at Christmas time. My girls and I will cherish the giving hearts of these two sisters as they gave money and sent us shopping for needy families and we returned to show them the gifts these two Christmas angels gave. The delight they had in sharing what they had with others is amazing!

Alta Josephine Durrant November 25, 1938 - December 11, 2020

Private Visitation

Private Funeral Service

8 Condolences for Alta Josephine Durrant