Obituaries

Florence Margaret Alton (Lettman) passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2024 at UW Madison Hospital. Florence was born on September 14th, 1930, in Highland WI., to parents George and Emma Lettman (nee Cook). She is survived by her loving family, including daughter Debra Alton, grandson Tyer Woodward, his wife Jill Woodward and great grandchildren Tucker and Bailey Woodward, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Florence or “Flo” as she was known, was an upbeat and cheerful person always ready with a smile. After high school she became secretary of the Future Retail Workers group at Vocational college, but, after a short career at the phone company she landed in Hospitality (no surprise to those who knew her outgoing nature.) She and her husband Kerwin (Bud)Alton were members of the Elks Club in Madison, and she was a hostess/waitress there for 37 years. Flo had a group of regular customers and became lifelong friends with many of them as well as her co-workers. After her retirement she volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital gift shop and came full circle back to her retail roots. She loved the interaction with the staff, patrons and especially enjoyed visiting with the other volunteers.

Florence was also passionate about her faith. A lifelong member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Madison, she was actively involved in activities at St. Patrick’s School (where Debra attended) and attended Mass regularly. Her spiritual nature has sustained and fortified her, and She had a prayer list that included many! As many in her family have noted, “she might have a direct line to the guy upstairs”.

Her family and friends were her joy and especially the bond she formed with her grandson Tyler. “Nana”, as she was known to him, could be found playing soccer goalie, baseball pitcher, quarterback, or avid fan at the many games and events and tournaments she attended.

Florence had a wide and diverse group of friends, many of whom shared her love of Danny O’ Donnell, and together they traveled near and far to see his shows. She held her girlfriends close to her heart, and they in turn held close to her. She had a standing card club, (euchre is the game), and played every week, even organizing a group at the Jefferson after she moved in.

Florence was a vibrant, sharp and delightful lady who was making new friends even into her 90’s. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her Parents George and Emma Lettman, Husband of 53 years Kerwin G (Bud) Alton, Son Lee Patrick Alton, and Siblings Roy, Richard, Ralph, Dorothy, Frances, Madeline.

Visitation will be at Ryan Funeral Home 5701 Odana Road Madison, WI at 10:00am Wednesday October 30th, with a short service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

A special thank you to the UW Home Healthcare providers as well as the Palliative Care physicians and the attending staff.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts be made to St. Mary’s Foundation, 700 S. Park St, Madison, WI 53715 or visit www.givetossmhealth.org/stmarysfoundation.