WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Alta M. Schrock, age 94, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, September 1, 2025, at Life Care Center of LaGrange.
Alta was born on July 4, 1931, alongside her twin sister Alma, at their grandparents’ farmhouse in South Bend. She was the beloved daughter of the late Rev. Cecil and Ruby (Early) Morningstar.
Alta’s early years were spent in Howe, Indiana, where she graduated from Lima High School in 1949. She attended Manchester College in Manchester, Indiana, for one year, and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Elementary Education in 1969 and a Master’s degree in Art in 1973, both from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
On August 27, 1950, Alta married the love of her life, Lawrence J. “Larry” Schrock, at English Prairie Church of the Brethren in Brighton, Indiana. The ceremony was officiated by her father, Rev. Morningstar. The couple spent their early years together in Yoder, Kansas, before making Sturgis their permanent home in 1955.
Alta began her professional career as a secretary at the Kirsch Company in Sturgis, a role she held until the birth of her daughter, Cindee Lu. In 1969, she embarked on a fulfilling teaching career with Sturgis Public Schools, where she taught first grade at Arden Park and Wenzel Elementary Schools until her retirement in 1993.
A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Sturgis, Alta served faithfully in many capacities over the years, including as a Deaconess, Sunday school teacher and superintendent, member of the church board, and on the pastoral search committee. She was also a dedicated member of a women’s Bible study group in Kalamazoo for over two decades.
Alta had a deep love for the arts. She was a talented oil painter and cherished her 20 years of painting classes. She also enjoyed many years of organ lessons with her instructor, Kathy Cary.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Cindee Lu Balk of Sturgis; her twin sister, Alma Eiler of North Manchester, Indiana; and several nieces and a nephew: Beth (Scott) Bolman of Estero, Florida, Karen Eiler of North Manchester, Indiana, and Gary Eiler of West Lafayette, Indiana.
Alta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry, January 17, 1998, her brother-in-law Dr. Paul Eiler, and her son-in-law Carl E. Balk, Jr.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 4th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis.
A celebration of Alta’s life will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 5th at the First Baptist Church in Sturgis, with Pastor Doug Noonkester officiating. A meal and time of fellowship will follow the service. Interment will be at White Pigeon Township Cemetery in White Pigeon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1050 E. Fawn River Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
