Alta Harper Killian, 86, of Idaho Falls, died Saturday, August 27, 2005, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born July 19, 1919 in Oakley, Idaho, the sixteenth of 17 children to William T. Harper and Olive Wilson Harper. She was raised and attended schools in Oakley. In 1937, she graduated from Oakley High School. She attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a bachelors degree in education and vocational home economics in 1941.

On May 29, 1946, she married Harvey E. Killian Jr. in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Besides Oakley and Provo, she lived in Moroni, Utah; Pocatello, Burley, Dubois, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. During her life she worked as a teacher, court reporter, clerk, stenographer, and switch board operator.

She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The most cherished positions included her service in the temple, her mission with her husband to Tonga, and many trips to girls camp.

She was a coach for the A.H. Bush Falcons, little league baseball team and a Future Homemakers of America Advisor at Central Jr. High School and Skyline High School.

She enjoyed her family, gardening, sewing, singing, cooking, and any activity her grandchildren were involved in.

Our mother was a nurturer of all the good that could be found in every one she met; regardless of who they were, or where they came from.

She is survived by the following: husband, Harvey E. Killian Jr. of Idaho Falls son, H. Val (Lynne) Killian of Lindon, UT daughter, Arneʹ (Lyle) Omanson of Fisherville, KY daughter, Ann Killian of Idaho Falls son, Kevin E. Killian of Pocatello son, W. Todd (Marie) Killian of Kaysville, UT 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren sister, Wanda Hollingsworth of Pocatello sister, Ann Martell of Oakley sister-in-law, Louise Harper of Lynn, MA

She was preceded in death by her parents, and 14 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, at the Idaho Falls LDS 10th Ward Chapel, 1200 Dunbar with Bishop Dan Stout officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday evening from 7-8:30 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls and on Saturday one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Cemetery.