Altha Babbitt

Altha Leanore Babbitt, 95 years, formerly of Sutherland, NE, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE. Altha was born October 22, 1919, to Rolland Arthur and Cecelia Burgetta Frame in Lisco, NE. The family lived near Hershey, NE and she graduated from Hershey High School in 1937. Altha then attended Kearney State Teachers College, graduating in 1941 with a degree in Business Education and later earned graduate hours from the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Altha went to California where she was employed by the Lockheed Aircraft Factory in Burbank. When she returned to Nebraska, Altha worked for Mars Clothing Shop and Hansen & Fuenning Accounting Firm in North Platte before starting her teaching career. Altha taught high school business classes at Scotia, Bloomfield, Hershey and Sutherland. She then taught business and sponsored various clubs at Sutherland High School for 25 years and was sponsor of the yearbook "The Log" from 1963 to 1978. Altha retired from teaching in 1978. On August 14, 1949, Altha married Paul DeLancey Babbitt at Hershey, NE, and they lived in Sutherland where they raised their son, Gregory. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for 60 years and was active with the United Methodist Women and served in different positions. Altha was also a member and officer in the Sutherland Woman's Club and on the Library Board. In 2004, Altha moved to the Skyline Retirement Center in Omaha to be closer to Greg. Here she was active in attending the Omaha Community Playhouse until her health declined. She also enjoyed playing bridge. She is survived by her son, Greg Babbitt, of Omaha; a sister, Patricia Ulrich, of Omaha; sister-in-law, Evelyn Frame, of Hershey; and several nieces, nephews and other family. Altha was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents, Rolland and Cecelia Frame; and brothers, Perry and Gayle Frame. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015, at the Sutherland United Methodist Church with Pastor Kola Akinnigbagbe officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery south of Sutherland. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland UMW or United Methodist Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.