Alta Lee Richardson (née Payton), of Clinton, Missouri, passed away on October 21, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri, after a very brief illness. At Alta's request, there will be no formal services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clinton Animal Shelter or Boy Scout Troop 430 in Clinton and left in care of the funeral home.

She was born on November 14, 1942, and was a lifelong Clinton resident. Alta was a Licensed Practical Nurse at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, serving for many decades with compassion and skill. A devoted member of Allen Street Baptist Church, her faith touched many. Alta loved to read, and enjoyed tending her flowers and sitting in the sun on her deck.

Alta is survived by four children, Wendy (Rusty) Landes, Lee's Summit, Mark (Joan) Richardson, Lee's Summit, Scott Richardson, Boulder, Colorado, and Rex (Laura) Richardson, Calhoun, Missouri.

She is survived by her grandchildren: Rachel (Phil) Fuhrman of Springfield; Megan (Kyle) Keeports of Oak Grove; Courtney (John) Bello of Aurora; Douglas (Amanda) Switzer of Fort Worth, Texas; Brooke Tash of Miami, Oklahoma; Jennifer (Andrew) Pierson of Lee's Summit; Dillion (Ellie) Richardson of Denver, Colorado; Jessica (Clint) Case of Aurora; and Waylon (Skye) Doty of Aurora, Missouri.

Alta is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Hayden and Eli Richardson; Vanessa, Joanna, Andrew, and John Bello; Koltin, Liam, and Theo Keeports; Violet Fuhrman; Samantha Pierson; Colton, MacKenna, Kasyn, and Kezlen Tash; Greyson and Urijah Fleetwood; Elliot Shelby; Douglas and Gentry Switzer; and Stetson, Conway, and Miley Doty.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the dedicated team at St. Luke's Hospice House, whose exemplary care and kindness provided Alta with dignity and peace in her final journey.

Though she has left our physical presence, Alta remains forever in our hearts—a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love continues to bloom in each of us. Her work here complete, she now rests in the arms of her Savior.

May Alta rest in the sunshine she loved, surrounded by eternal gardens in bloom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.