Christina Pultz Alter, 99, of Fort Smith, died February 23, 2011 in Fort Smith. She was born August 15, 1911 in Hale, Missouri to Charles William Decatur and Emma C. Eaton Pultz. She was a graduate of Truman University in Kirksville, Missouri and the University of Arkansas, College of Education. She also attended the University of the Ozarks where she declared it to be the happiest years of her life. She was a teacher in both Darby Junior High teaching Geography, and Ramsey Junior High teaching English and Reading, serving from 1954 to 1977 in the Fort Smith Public School System. During her vast teaching career she was known for her many achievements but none more than her famous "Poem of Presidents", this poem was started by her mother and handed down to Christina. She gladly carried on the poems tradition using the names of every President of the United States and even after retiring she made sure it was up to date, including President Obama. This poem has become the legacy of this devoted Fort Smith Teacher. She was a member the Roundtable Poets of Arkansas and recently published a collection of Children's Poems, "From God with Love." Christina loved to travel and spent much of her time traveling with colleagues from Kent State University. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, she had served as teacher of the Seekers Sunday School Class, was active with the Pacesetters, the United Methodist Women's Circle and other church activities.
The Funeral Service Celebrating her life will be Monday, February 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Roebuck Chapel of First United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Oak Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
She is survived by her dear friend and caregiver Linda Paz of Fort Smith, and a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and many close and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Alter.
Honorary pallbearers will be both the Seekers Sunday School Class and members of the Pacesetters.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th Fort Smith, AR. 72901
To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 21, 2011
Diane Reed Koenigseder
Mrs. Alter was my 7th grade English teacher at Darby Jr. High. She instilled in me a love of poetry that will be with me forever. I remember her once standing ON her desk to get our attention as she recited a poem. She came crashing down on the floor but wasn't hurt. However, the principal (whose office was just below our classroom) came running up to see what in the world had happened! Never a dull moment in Mrs. Alter's class!
March 1, 2011
Mrs. Alter's friendship is a very special treasure. I met her in the nursing home where she lived. Her room was a place where I knew I was always welcome. We would recite poetry and Bible scriptures together. Most of all her love for the Lord drew me to this beautiful and dear woman. She lived an excellant life. Her influence will always be with me. I'm so thankful I had the privilage to know her. Thank you, dear Mrs. Alter, for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Billie Mayo
February 28, 2011
Susan Dailey
I will never forget you Mrs. Alter. You made a difference in my life, one that will never be forgotten.
God Bless you & keep you in His loving arms.
February 28, 2011
Joan halliburton
Chris was my mom's dearest friend at Willow brooke and we all loved her
February 28, 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Alter will always be in my mind and my heart!
Mary Davis
Muldrow, OK
February 26, 2011
linda paz
February 26, 2011
jeff paz
February 26, 2011
jeff paz
February 26, 2011
Jo Swaim Clayton
Mrs. Alter taught with passion, pride, and purpose. Her love of poetry, words, grammar and most of all the children she taught was unbounded by classroom walls. She greatly influenced my education and my life. As I followed her into the world of teaching, her light shines on ever brightly as my students recite the 23 helping verbs all in one breath and the President's Poem. Her standard and example as a master teacher will always be the bar for which I personally strive. Being her student has truly blessed my personal life and my chosen profession and I will always remember her with great fondness and gratitude. God bless her soul and her family.
February 25, 2011
Judy (Bull) Franklin
Mrs. Alter was the best teacher I ever had. I will never forget her
February 25, 2011
Elaine Collum Brecher
I will always remember Mrs. Alter. She was my English Teacher at Darby Jr. High School in the Seventh Grade. Mrs. Alter quickly realized that I did not know the mechanics of spelling and phonics. Mrs. Alter taught me those skills before the school day began until I could spell any word and sound out words I did not know. Christina Alter was a true teacher and I am so thankful to have been her student. God rest her soul!
Elaine Collum Brecher
FSHS Class of 1961
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