Mrs. Alta Mae (Woods) Hand

Proud granddaughter of the Pioneer Settlers of Avon, Illinois, Mrs. Alta Mae Hand, 98, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 10:02 pm, Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Promedica Skilled Nursing Facility.

Alta was born February 26, 1924, in Galesburg the daughter of Charles Allen and Mae Alma (Hickman) Woods. She married the love of her life, Burton Hand in 1946. After 30 years of marriage, he preceded her in death in 1976.

Alta is survived by her children, Thomas (Louise) Hand of Woodbury, New Jersey and Sarah J. Beldin of East Moline, Illinois; her grandson, Max Beldin and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her three sisters, Audrey Tadie, Leila Woods and Fern Chatterton; one niece and one nephew.

Alta graduated from Galesburg High School and began working for Western Union for ten years. She later worked for the City of Galesburg in the city clerk’s office. Alta remained extremely busy in her free time. She was a member of the Rebecca Parke Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Auxiliary Post #285, and the Rio Women’s Club. Alta also was a member of the New England Women’s Club and the former Oliver Wendell Holmes Club.

Alta was a faithful member for over 50 years of the Faith United Methodist Church. She volunteered her time as the financial secretary and various other positions within the church. She served on many boards including the Cunningham Home and the United Methodist Women’s Groups. She also was a devoted member of the Elizabeth Circle.

Alta was an avid gardener raising beautiful flowers. She loved working in her yard surrounded by her friendly squirrels that she kept fed with corn.  Her love of watching her squirrels continued while at the nursing home.

Alta will be remembered for her positive attitude, cheerful personality, and devotion to her faith. The family would like to thank the staff at ProMedica for their love, kindness and tireless efforts in caring for Alta and her family these past few years.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Visitation will be 9:00-10:00 am Saturday at the chapel. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Tamassee DAR School. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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