Alta Kay Krajec, 76, of West Salem, IL, passed away Friday, May 1st at her home. She was born September 10, 1949, the daughter of LD and Patricia Rothrock.
Alta graduated from Richland County High School in 1967. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Botany from Southern Illinois University. She taught biology at Edwards County High School for 32 years, where she made lifelong impressions on generations of students.
Alta enjoyed the outdoors and found joy in farming, fishing, mushroom hunting, and searching for arrowheads. She took pride in her large garden each year and in canning the harvest to share with her family. She enjoyed going to auctions and collecting antiques. She found great joy in baking and cooking, especially for others. She also enjoyed quiet hobbies of reading, rug making, knitting, and doing puzzles. More than anything, she enjoyed the quiet comfort of her country home.
Alta was a devoted member of Walnut Grove Church, where she served as treasurer. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and help those in need.
Alta will be remembered as a beloved mother and grandmother. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her family and proudly supporting her grandchildren in all their activities. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Alta will be remembered by two sons, Stefan and his wife Kathryn, and Dmitri and his wife Emily; five grandchildren, Kennedy, Chase, Mila, Stella, and Ari; sisters Sidney (Darrell) Brinkley, Karen Osmon, and Eldean (Doug) Madden; and brother Mark (Kim) Rothrock; her lifelong best friend Melissa Felling; and many nieces and nephews.
Alta was preceded in death by her parents, LD and Patricia Rothrock, and her sister and brother-in-law, Vicki and Richard French.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on May 9, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral services at 12:00 p.m., at Walnut Grove Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor Brent Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Alta’s name to Walnut Grove Church.
Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to be entrusted with arrangements for Alta Krajec.
