Cleta Ruth Altiser

Cleta Ruth “Babe” Altiser was born to Ernie and Thelma (Yardley) Altiser on June 13, 1928 at the family farm house east of Newtown, MO. She passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville, MO, on March 22, 2016, at the age of 87.

Cleta attended country school until transferring to Milan High School and graduating there. She then went to Kirksville Teacher’s College (Truman) and earned her teaching certificate. Cleta taught in rural schools until her father’s passing. She then moved home to help her mother farm. She loved farm life, especially the animals.

Cleta was an active member of the Newtown Baptist Church until moving to the Putnam County Care Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, a twin sister, Fleta, who died at birth, and her brothers, Fred and Dean Altiser.

Cleta is survived by two sisters-in-law, Faye Altiser and Willa White, both of Newtown, MO. She is also survived by nephews Randy Altiser and friend Russ of Kansas City, MO, Mike (Sharon) Altiser of St. Mary’s GA, and Marty (Jan) Altiser of Newtown, MO; and by nieces Susie Fleshman of Unionville, MO, Sherry (Milton) Streck of St. Joseph, MO, and Teresa Altiser and friend Wayne of Stewartsville, PA. A host of great and great-great nieces and nephews also survive. She enjoyed a special relationship with her niece Reese and great nephew Jordan. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services for Cleta Altiser will be held at the Newtown Christian Church at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 26, 2106, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Newtown Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Newtown Christian Church or the Putnam County Care Center and these may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.