Alta Jean Lovell Christiansen, 94, Nampa Alta Jean Lovell Christiansen was born April 4, 1930 to James W. and Bertha (Barnard) Lovell on the farm at Shelton, Bonneville County, Idaho. She was born at home with a doctor in attendance. Her brother, Jay, and sister, Ida, were both older. She also had four half-siblings, Hazel, Alice, Glen and James from her father's previous marriage. She passed away at her home Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. When she was four-years-old, her father died of a heart attack. Her Mother had continued health challenges and only an eighth-grade education. It was a struggle, but with various jobs in various places, and everyone helping the family made it through. She said in her life story, that though it was stressful she could see how the Lord blessed them. Also, she always felt the love of her Mother and recognized the sacrifices she made for them. When she was old enough, Alta worked to earn money for things she wanted, such as new clothes and shoes. When she was younger, she babysat and did farm work. Later, she worked as a nurse's aide in a hospital and a maternity home. It was at McKee Maternity Home in Rigby that she met, John Christiansen, who was visiting his sister who had just had a baby. They dated for three years before deciding to marry. They were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Dec. 23, 1948. Their first child, Katherine, was born in Idaho Falls Sept. 15, 1949. John worked farming for a time before getting a job with Union Pacific Railroad which brought them to Lima, Mont. Before, Nancy, their second daughter, was born Jan. 15, 1955, also in Idaho Falls. Brenda, daughter number three, came along Oct. 9, 1957. During this time, Alta was a busy mother with three little ones to care for, as well as serving church callings and being involved in the community. Lima was a small community and they made lifelong friends there before John's job changed and they moved to Nampa in 1962. They bought their home at 312 Maple where Alta was to live the rest of her life. Those three little girls had to make adjustments living in this bigger place. Brenda was born with some health issues that needed further care and it was always a worry to Alta. However, Brenda was not one to let it keep her from doing the things that she chose to do whether it as participate in track, hike the Grand Canyon or go with her class to Mexico. A wonderful surprise came along Sept. 4, 1972 when their first son, Brian, was born. To say that his sisters were thrilled would be an understatement. The children continued to grow and learn. All four graduated from Nampa High School and went on to college: Kathy, Nancy and Brenda to Ricks (now BYU-Idaho). Brian first to BYU in Provo and then transferred to Idaho State University where he earned his Pharmacy degree. Alta served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both in leadership and teaching roles for children, youth and adults. She had a heart and mind for service to her family both immediate and extended, church friends, neighbors and the community. She shared her talents and love with many people. She was an excellent seamstress and liked to do a variety of crafts over the years. She was also a great cook. She and John loved traveling, camping and seeing new places. They often traveled and went camping with their friends, Jean and John Knutson. Another of her interests was history and she gathered information about Relief Society and Second Ward. She also spent several years gathering and recording histories of the Lovell and Christiansen families covering several generations. After Brenda started school, Alta rejoined the work force, primarily in office jobs. She enjoyed working with numbers and made close friends of many of her co-workers. When she had an opportunity, she upgraded her office skills and helped start use of computers at the Amalgamated Sugar Company in Nampa when she worked there. When Brian was born, she stayed home with him, though employers asked her come to work for them. Eventually, when he was older, she went back to work for a pay check, again making close friends with co-workers. It was a blow to the whole family when in 1980, Brenda found out that she had cancer. She fought the good fight, but passed away in Jan. 20, 1982 and was buried in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery in eastern Idaho. After dealing with health issues that caused several hospitalizations and a need for 24-hour oxygen, John passed in his sleep Aug. 28, 1986. In her history she said that left her without her mate. There would be no one to sneak up behind her to untie her apron, give her a quick hug, sneak food she was preparing or just be there for her. Brian was only 14 years old and she continued teaching and raising him while working. They spent a lot of time together. As Brian got older, she stopped working part time and went to work for Canyon County in the Assessor's Office. Then he was off to college. He was a hard worker and did well. Her first grandson, John Christopher Butler, was born April 18, 1980 and adopted by Nancy and her husband, Mike. When Brian married Mandee Kapicka, Alta gained three more grandchildren, Eston, Tye and Ava. Alta and Kathy spent a lot of time traveling together, especially after Kathy's husband, Jim, died. They supported each other through major health challenges. Kathy passed away April 30, 2009 after a fight with cancer. Alta also traveled a lot with Jean Knutson on group tours. Her life was not easy and she faced many trials, but was supported by her faith and the assurance that she had been sealed in the temple and would be with loved ones again after this mortal life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; two daughters and their husbands, Kathy (Jim) Kawano, Brenda (Rick) Taylor; her parents: siblings and several nieces and nephews. Alta is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Michael) Butler; son, Brian (Mandee) Christiansen; grandchildren, John (Rebecca) Butler, Eston (Alex Martin) Roble, Tye (Marissa)Roble and Ava Roble. She also has four great grandchildren, Connor, Tessa, Elianna and Oliver, as well as numerous nieces and nephews that have loved and appreciated her caring and support over the years. She will also be sorely missed by the friends and associates she has had over the years. Zeyer Funeral Chapel is taking care of arrangements. There will be a viewing at 10 a.m. and the Funeral at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27 at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa.