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Alta Lee West

Mar. 11, 1950 - Aug. 5, 2025

Date of Service: Aug. 15, 2025

Service Program

RUPERT – Alta Lee Bennett West, age 75, of Rupert, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a brief battle with cancer. Her passing marks the end of a life lived with deep love, unwavering faith, and profound dedication to family, friends, and community.

Born on March 11, 1950, to Bill and Fay Bennett, Alta grew up on the family farm in Rupert. In this home, she learned the timeless values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, set in a warm and loving environment. Alta's grace and determination shone brightly when she was crowned Minidoka County Rodeo Queen in 1967—a title that reflected her spirit and strength. She graduated from Minidoka County High School (Minico) in 1968.

Her sense of service led her to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served a mission in the Georgia-South Carolina Mission, sharing her faith and love for others. Alta earned her degree in Registered Nursing in the years that followed thereafter. She later pursued a 38-year career with Intermountain Health at the Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley, Idaho. Her colleagues will remember her for her compassionate care, tireless work ethic, and kindness.

On June 3, 1983, Alta married the love of her life, Paul Jay West. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. Their son, Ty Joe West, was born in December of 1984. Alta and Paul raised him on the family farm, instilling the same principles of hard work, honesty, and love that shaped their own lives. Their years together were filled with countless precious memories, and they were a testament to true partnership and devotion. Paul preceded Alta in death on February 16, 2008. May the angels guide her into paradise where she will be reunited with her eternal husband, Paul Jay West.

Alta is survived by her loving son, Ty Joe West (Cameo); her granddaughters, Nova Chey West and Atreyu Kira West; and her sister-in-law, Bonnie West.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Jay West; her brother, J.T. Bennett; her sisters-in-law, Mary Louise West and Florence Faye West; and her parents, William Thomas Bennett and Laura Fay (Speer) Bennett.

Alta’s legacy lives on in the love and lessons she imparted to her family and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and faith. May she rest in peace, embraced by the angels and reunited with those she loved.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Rupert Cemetery located at 450 N. Meridian in Rupert, Idaho.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

Condolences for Alta Lee West

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kelly Turner Whalen:

Your mom shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with my family in 1975. She and Sister Ness made my grumpy father laugh. He would only allow them in the house, no other "church people."
She helped change my life forever!
I am so sorry for your loss.
She touched many lives.

From Megan McClurg, RDH:

Ty- You don't know me personally but I feel like I know you and your family well. You and your kiddos were the light of Alta's life and she loved sharing stories about you guys. We loved her deeply and enjoyed her fun personality!

From Ev:

I knew Alta Lee in high school. She wasn’t just Alta, she was Alta Lee.
She was always so sweet and unassuming. I remember her sparkling eyes, sweet smile and her laugh.

From Lois Rinehart :

Alta was always fun to work with at CRMC. No one was more dedicated to doing a great job. She will be missed by all.

From Suzanne Cook:

Sorry to hear about your mom's passing! She was so welcoming and kind to me when I moved to the area and I'll always be greatful for her friendship.

From Shirley West:

Ty West & family:
Your Mom was a beautiful person & great employee @ IHC that I worked with many years. You are in my prayers in the loss of your Mom.

From Carina Blacker:

I first started working with Alta when I first started working at the hospital in 2006. She was the kindest and hardest worker. She will be missed.

From Alta Bennett:

Ty and family, I loved your mom from the day we met. I felt honored to share her name (Alta Bennett). I was married to Butch her cousin. He had wonderful childhood memories. He loved her alot. I send my sincere sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Love, Alta ( and Dave) Bennett

From Marty Rochford :

Ty….Your mom and dad were both special to me….. They always treated me so well when I was farming their land…… condolences to you and your family.

From Lynette Mittelsteadt:

Alta was the secretary in Same Day Surgery when I started there in 1995. I loved her. She was always so patient and compassionate.

From Linda Jentzsch Nay:

Alta, not only did I get to work with you, I was lucky to be your neighbor for many years. You were a wonderful friend and a great co worker. Rest peacefully my friend

From Barbara West :

I worked with Alta at the hospital and it was such a good experience to get to know her. I was in her home several times and so appreciated a good person that she was. Blessings to the family so sorry for your loss.

From Cynthia Flores:

Alta,
I have such great and fun memories of working with you for over 20 years.
You will always be in my heart.
My condolences to Ty West and family.

From Andrea Jolley:

Ty, We loved your mom. She was a great friend, good teacher, and she will be missed.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Andrea Jolley

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