Alta Proffer

Alta Emma Proffer, 102, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Alta was born March 26, 1908, on a farm near Oak Ridge. Her parents were Charles Ludwig and Josephine Dambach Ludwig. She was one of 10 children, with four brothers and five sisters. The four deceased brothers were Elmer (Maudie) Ludwig, John (Wilma) Ludwig, Willis (Oleda) Ludwig and Kermit (Elsie) Ludwig. The three deceased sisters were Bertha (Gus) Koenig, Norma (Henry) Huhn and Nelta (Rito) Petzoldt.

She is survived by two sisters, Alphia (Rudy) Hoeh and Cleta (Harry) Janowski. She is the dear mother of Marvin E. (Donna) Proffer (former state representative from Cape Girardeau County) and Charles (Peggy) Proffer (Charles passed away in January 2006); grandmother of Kirk (Cathy) Proffer, Marian (Steve) Houser, Kent (Peggy) Proffer, Linda (Ed) Heisler and Carol Kirkby. She is the great-grandmother of 11 great-grandchildren; aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Alta moved to Cape Girardeau as a young girl. She eventually went to work at International Shoe Co., where she worked for 41 years. She retired at age 66 and continued to live independently in her home until age 91, when she moved to Fountainbleau Lodge.

Alta was a proud lady and an excellent seamstress, making many of her own clothes. She was an outstanding cook. Each Christmas she made cookies and candies for her children and grandchildren.

Alta was a loyal church member of Evangelical United Church of Christ for more than 80 years. She was very active in the Mary Martha Circle. As a child she belonged to St. John's United Church of Christ near Fruitland, where she was baptized and confirmed.

She attended Horrell School and graduated from the eighth grade. She was known for her excellent penmanship. All nine of her brothers and sisters attended Horrell School.

Visitation will be from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 1001 N. Mount Auburn Road.

The funeral service will immediately follow visitation at 11:30 a.m., and burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorials may be sent to Evangelical United Church of Christ, 33 S. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.