Alta Hutchens, born Alta Frances Heath on September 23, 1939, in Sioux City, Iowa, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the daughter of Tom and Ethel Heath, who preceded her in death.

At the age of two, Alta moved with her family to northern Wisconsin, where she was raised in the Bruce and Tony communities. She attended school in Tony and became deeply involved in 4-H and FFA. Showing cattle became a cherished part of her youth, and she proudly exhibited at county fairs and multiple state fairs, earning numerous awards alongside her brothers and friends.

Alta attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Economics. Following graduation, she moved to New York, where she served as the County 4-H Agent of Home Economics for Delaware County. In 1962, Alta married Claude Hutchens, and together they returned to Wisconsin. There, she worked as a Home Economist on the Menominee Indian Reservation—a role she found especially meaningful. During this time, their first son, Claude, was born in Pulaski, Wisconsin, in 1966.

Over the years, Alta made her home in several Wisconsin communities, where her sons Charles and Chad were born, before eventually settling in Ladysmith. There, she raised her three sons and worked with dedication for Head Start and the Indianhead Community Action Agency.

Following her retirement, Alta greatly enjoyed traveling. She visited China, South Africa, Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Israel with her brother Malon, and she also cherished trips to visit her children and help care for her grandchildren.

Alta is survived by her sons: Claude T. (Gretchen) Hutchens, Charles Hutchens, and Chad (Holly) Hutchens; and by her brother, Malon (Patricia) Heath. She was preceded in death by her parents: Tom & Ethel Heath and 2 brothers: Marlus (Barbara) Heath and Carol (Kay) Heath.

Her legacy lives on through the family she treasured so deeply: 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

A devoted volunteer and active community member, Alta generously gave her time to her church, local fairs, and 4-H programs. She especially loved creating memories with her grandchildren—camping together, exploring new places, and sharing countless adventures.

Alta will be remembered for her generous spirit, unwavering commitment to family, and deep love for her community and friends. Her warmth, dedication, and resilience will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Tony with Pastor Jeffrey Ahonen officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Friday, December 19 at Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith and again on Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time. Burial will be in the Tony Cemetery.

An obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.