Alta Dean Davis, age 97, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 12th, 2025, at her home. She was better known by Kansas relatives as Aunt Deanie, to California relatives as Auntie Alta and to many friends as Miss Alta.
Alta was born on December 31, 1927, in La Harpe, Kansas, the daughter of Benton More, Jr. and Mary Ann (Fifer) More. Benton and Mary moved to Fort Scott, Kansas, with their nine children, Alta being the youngest. Alta started school at the age of five, skipped a grade in elementary school and ventured West to California in hopes of adventure and higher wages at the age of 16.
After arriving in California, Alta first worked as a waitress, then went to work at a car dealership for Mr. Phil Davis. It was at the car dealership where she met Craig Chandler Davis, the dealership’s owner’s son. Craig and Alta were married on April 16th, 1949 in Oakland, California. The couple owned and operated the All Automatic Transmission Company in Hayward, California. The Davis family welcomed their son, Curtis Dean Davis on December 15th, 1953.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Alta was an entrepreneur, real estate investor, financial all-around business woman and philanthropist. She worked diligently to provide for her family working a variety of jobs at the transmission shop and working trade shows and events at Bay West/Showplace in the San Francisco Concourse. It was at the concourse where her entrepreneurial spirit was sparked; while working here she ran a popcorn machine on the side for extra income.
Alta attended Bible Study at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland, California, was a member of the Martin C. Kauffman 100 Club of Alameda County, and loved to support many organizations including the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro, The First Church of God and the Wheelchair Foundation. Alta enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Her adventures took her around the world including many cities and countries in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and even a penguin expedition to Antartica.
After living in California for more than 70 years, she returned to Fort Scott and enjoyed reconnecting with family and making new friends. She was always ready to make a witty joke, share a smile, lend a helping hand, play a game of Hand and Foot or a round of Mexican Train dominoes.
Alta is survived by her great-great nephews, Jared Leek and Rob Shaw of the home, nieces Johnna Kay (Davis) Ballou, Betty Joan (More) Crane, Joyce (More) Love, Juanita (Rhyerd) Sinn, all of Fort Scott, Kansas, niece Sheryl (Davis) Hardin of Danville, California, nephews Leroy Bedingfield of Kansas City, Missouri, and Michael Davis of Oakdale, California, and many generations of nieces and nephews. Alta was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, son, daughter-in law Laurie Henrietta Britton Davis, beloved friend of many years Norman L. Bradshaw “Brad” and many family members.
Friends, family and community members are invited to a Celebration of Life service to be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 3:00 PM, Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. A private burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, will take place prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Carmel Hospice or the First Church of God and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
