Alta Dickey Obituary

Alta Lucille Dickey, 91, of Packwood, died Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Hospice House in Ottumwa. She was born on March 12, 1933, to Harold and Lena Sutton. Alta graduated from Packwood High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Max Dickey, and traveled to the Marine base, Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California where Max was stationed during the Korean War. Their first son was born there. When Max completed his military duties, they moved to the family farm southeast of Packwood, where Alta remained until shortly before her passing. Alta was always a farmer's wife and was Max's "right-hand man." She loved farming and she loved her farm and was able to work beside Max for 50 years prior to his passing. The Packwood Community was also very important to Alta, as was evident in all the activities she was involved with. She was a member of the Packwood Betterment Council, the Packwood Housing Board, the Packwood Centennial Committee, and the Packwood Christian Church. She and another community member, Kay Hadley, raised thousands of dollars from the sale of the Packwood Cookbook over many years, which they donated to the Packwood Fire Department, the Packwood First Responders, and the Community Building. In loving service to humanity, Alta donated her body to the University of lowa for study and research. She loved her family and especially enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren.
Alta is survived by her children: Stephen Dickey and Garry (Suanne) Dickey of Packwood, and Cathy Gates of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren: Gabe (Jennifer) Dickey, Sarah Dickey, Monica (Andrew) Telschow, Justin (Sarah) Gates, and Heather Gates; 6 great-grandchildren: Max and Annemarie Dickey, Maria and Adam Telschow, Benny Happel, and Jonah Grabe; and a sister, Alma Catcott of Round Rock, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother, Dwain Sutton.
A visitation will be held at the Packwood Christian Church on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held in the Packwood Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Alta's honor out to the Alta Dickey Memorial to be used to support the Packwood Fire Department, Packwood First Responders, Packwood Christian Church, or the Packwood Community Building. Memorials may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 201 W. 4th Street, Packwood, IA 52580. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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