Alta Eldora (Cooper) McVay passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 31, 2019, at Westhills Health Care in Rapid City, SD.
Alta was born in Piedmont, SD, on November 24, 1925, to Frank and Mabel (Beatty) Cooper. She grew up in Piedmont with her 2 brothers and 4 sisters.
Alta attended school in Piedmont and graduated from Piedmont High School. She attended National School of Business with a degree for "Twelve Months Senior Secretarial Course" on September 28, 1943. After graduation, she worked at Tri State Milling Company. Alta also worked for several years at Western Dakota Technical School.
Alta met the love of her life, Leonard McVay, and they married in 1947. In 2019, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Alta & Leonard started their family and raised 3 children in the home they made in Piedmont. Alta was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend to many.
She was active in community affairs; 4-H leader, church choir, Piedmont Sewing Circle, sports fan for the local teams, among many other activities.
Alta loved to sew and taught many young people while she was their 4-H leader. Her seamstress talents were excellent. She also enjoyed bowling on a league in Rapid City for many years, once even winning a trophy for "high game"!!
Alta and Leonard could be seen dancing the night away at the Piedmont Fireman's Balls and many other venues around the hills. They also spent much time travelling (went to every state in the US), camping, and playing cards with friends and family.
Alta is survived by her husband, Leonard; children, Sheila (RT) Shaw, Don (Rita) McVay, and Janet Mattern; 7 grandchildren; Michelle Tech, Stephanie (Tony) Musilek, Jeremy (Jessica) McVay, Jamie (Laurie) McVay, Justin (Heather) McVay, Kristine (Nate) Dubie, and Amanda Mattern; 15 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
Alta was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings.
A funeral service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont on August 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church.
Memorials have been established to the Piedmont Library and Grace United Methodist Church.
The family would like to thank the care givers at Westhill's Health Care facility for their compassionate care and kindness for Alta.

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