Funeral services for Aletha Harten, 90, of Ogden, formerly of Grand Junction, will be 10:30am Thursday, November 2, 2006 at First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction. Interment will be in the Beaver Cemetery.

Friends may call at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Grand Junction after 1:00 pm Wednesday. The family will be present at the funeral home to greet friends from 6:30 – 8:30pm Wednesday.

Memorials are suggested to Boone County Hospice or First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction.

Aletha Violet Van Pelt Harten, daughter of Burton Arthur Van Pelt and Sarah Neff Rinker Van Pelt, was born on December 16, 1915 in Beaver, Iowa. She was the 11th child of 13 children in their large, close family. Aletha attended Beaver Consolidated School where she enjoyed singing and acting in high school plays.

On July 11, 1936, Aletha married the love of her life, Bill Harten. To this union their daughters Linda and Laura were born.

Aletha enjoyed many years living the farm life in Beaver and Dana, until Bill retired in 1988, and they moved to Grand Junction. Aletha was always active in various organizations inducing United Methodist Women, Tuesday Study Club and Bible study groups. She also participated in several card clubs playing Bridge, Pinochle and Rummy.

There are fond memories of Aletha pausing during a busy day to play the piano. She and Bill often sang together for family, church, weddings and funerals.

Aletha derived great joy from providing delicious, home-cooked meals for her friends and family. Many friends and family will recall warm-hearted evenings playing cards or games and sharing many laughs together.

Aletha Harten died October 30, 2006 at the Boone County Hospital. She was 90 years of age. Survivors include daughters, Linda Butcher of Independence, MO and Laura Mount of Ogden, IA; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Evanelle Erickson of Boone, IA. Aletha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and eleven siblings.