Alta Rock Madlem, 94, of Rochester, passed away at 12:30 AM on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.
On April 24, 1929, Alta Jane Hittle was born in Rochester to Ralph and Nellie Whitaker Hittle. As one of seven children, she shared her childhood with a twin sister and five brothers. Proudly she graduated with the Class of 1948 from Richland Center High School.
Alta and Donald W. Rock were married on June 4, 1950, in Richland Center. They shared 40 years of life’s adventures. From their union came four wonderful children including a daughter Donna and three sons Darl, Richard and John. The family tree has continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations.
As the matriarch of the family, with a heart for agriculture and a strong work ethic, Alta oversaw the daily operations of the family farm, rising early to milk 60 Holstein cows. Many times, their family had another 40 head in the dairy herd, raising them to be their producers of the future. She also made sure the calves, chickens, sheep and rabbits were fed. During harvest time, with fields of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, she was often found seated atop the Oliver tractor pulling a loaded wagon. She certainly had loaded many wagons as well. Every year Alta planted a big garden to enjoy the fresh vegetables and to can for her family's wintertime use.
To relax, Alta made rag rugs on a loom that had been her Grandmother’s. She had also continued to care for and maintain her mother's Christmas Cactus that had been started in 1948. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed romance novels. Alta was a member of the Green Oak Club and sang in the choir at Macy Christian Church.
Later Alta and John E. Madlem were married on March 12, 2000, in Florida. They shared three years prior to his passing on December 18, 2003.
Left to cherish Alta's memory are three sons: Darl Rock and wife Janet of Rochester, Richard Rock and wife Jeannie of Grass Creek, John Rock and wife Linda of Twelve Mile; eleven grandchildren: Seth Rock and wife Marianne, Tammy Vigar and husband Steve, Sandy Luhnow and husband Brad, Kelly Wolf, Stacy Nicely and husband James, Jackie Powell and husband Chris, Josh Kirby and wife Brittany, Courtney Kirby, Amy Riley and husband Aaron, Erin Rock, Andrew Rock and wife Maggie; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Alta in death are her parents; husband Don on July 25, 1990; daughter, Donna Kirby on November 24, 2008; twin sister Alice Shotts; five brothers: Gerald, Wayne, Raymond, John and Jim; and her canine companion, Harper.
A celebration if the life of Alta Rock Madlem will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in the Good Family Funeral Home.
Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 PM on Monday, June 12, 2023, and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Richland Center Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.
