Alta Marie Voge Lennox, a cherished member of the Downey community, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, shortly after elebrating her 90th birthday. Alta was born on June 2, 1934, in Hall, Nebraska, then moved to Oregon City, Oregon with her family while she was a toddler. In 1940 following the tragic loss of her brother, Alta’s parents relocated to Los Angeles to be closer to family, soon settling in Downey. Alta and her four sisters were raised right here in Downey, attending Alameda Grammar School and Downey Senior High School, where Alta graduated in 1953.

During her high school years, Alta met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Jim Lennox. A story that has become family lore recounts how Jim flipped a buffalo nickel in the air towards a group of girls at school, declaring that whoever caught it would be a “one lucky lady!” Alta caught the famed nickel, fell in love, and married Jim shortly after graduation. For as long as the family can remember Alta had that nickel on-hand in remembrance of Jim and the love they shared.

Alta’s distinguished career began in Downey’s downtown district where she landed jobs at both the Meralta and Avenue Theaters. She journeyed on to work at North American Aviation (later known as Rockwell International), then over to Reliance Dairy Farms (owned by the Shakarian family).

Alta continued her education by taking numerous business and real estate courses at Cerritos College, ultimately finding that her true calling was in real estate. Alta worked for Century 21 American, Red Carpet Real Estate, and United Realty before ultimately founding Real Estate Unlimited with her business partner, Ken Miller. Her work helped countless Downey families live out the American dream of home ownership.

Alta adored Downey and was deeply involved in the community. She was an active member of the Downey Board of Realtors, serving as director after being elected in 1977. She was also an active member of the Soroptimist Club, Downey Chamber of Commerce, Downey Sister Cities Association, and Women’s Club. Alta’s professional success was complemented by her genuine love for people. She was known for her kindness, hospitality, genuineness, and generosity, always making others feel welcome and valued.

Her home was a sanctuary for many. Alta’s empathetic nature and warm spirit made her a beloved figure among family, friends and strangers alike. Her daughters recall how their mother would welcome new people into their home during holidays, turning strangers into family with her welcoming nature and understanding ear.

Alta and her husband Jim were quite a dynamic duo, both professionally and socially. Since Jim was a skilled contractor and Alta handled real estate, the two worked as a team to buy, renovate, and sell homes here in Downey. In their free time, Alta and Jim loved to go out dancing, a skill they were both very adept at. Alta’s love for life extended to her hobbies and interests as well. She had a passion for sewing, quilting, decorating, crafting, and interior design.

Alta is survived by her loving daughters, Tracy Peck and Valerie Krause; her only living sister, Velma; her grandchildren, Jamie Lendrum, Kory, Kelsi and daughter Kylee. She was preceded in death by her brother Virgil; her son, Eddie; her husband, Jim; her son-in-law, Kurt; her sisters, Anita, Lorraine, and Jeanette; and her parents, Valentin and Bertha.

Alta’s legacy is one of love, kindness, family, and community. The graceful ease with which she made everyone feel important and valued continues to inspire all who know her. The love, care, and concern that Alta freely extended to our citizenry reflects values that helped pump life into the beating heart of our fair city, a city she truly loved and adored.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Those who wish to honor Alta are invited to share a kind word, do a good deed, or say a prayer in her memory.

In keeping with her love for Downey, Alta’s family suggests donations in her memory be made to organizations she was passionate about – the Downey Christmas Parade put on by the Downey Chamber of Commerce, the Downey Unified School District, the Downey Patriot, or the Stay Gallery. After all, Alta was among of the few who chose to Stay. Her legacy will continue to inspire and impact the community she loved so dearly.