Alma Ann Mcarthur

Dr Alma Ann McArthur Memorial Service (hdezwebcast.com)

Alma Ann McArthur, age 82, died Saturday, June 5, 2021. Born July 4, 1938 in La Junta, Colorado, she was the daughter of the late John P. McArthur and Lavender (Like) McArthur.

Growing up on a ranch in Utleyville, Colorado, Alma attended the Sunderland one-room school house from first through eighth grades and then stayed with family in Springfield, Colorado where she attended high school. Education was a passion of Alma’s as she continued her life-long learning at Lamar Community College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University (BA), Colorado State University (Masters), and then earned her doctorate at Texas Women’s College.

For the past 20 years, Dr. McArthur has been employed as Director of the Monahan Second Chance Academy, an educational liaison between Northeastern Junior College and Sterling Correctional Facility. The Monahan Foundation provides educational funding for inmates to take college courses at the correctional facility. Alma was very proud of the many second-chance success stories that her work and the Monahan Foundation helped to facilitate.

Previously, Alma worked in the Texas Correctional System in a similar capacity providing educational opportunities. Before her administrative positions, she taught classes in Loveland, Pritchett, and McClave, Colorado. She earned her masters degree in vocational education and taught home economics as well as facilitating a very active FHA organization.

Alma was a proud member of the Rotary Club, Sterling Elks Lodge, and the Sterling Presbyterian Church. She was dedicated to promoting community involvement and service to others. Often at holidays, she would volunteer to serve dinner at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Aside from spending time with her family, Alma loved to travel and meet new people. She never stopped taking in all that she could learn and experience through her many travels.

Many have described Alma Ann as vibrant, friendly, determined, and caring. Evident through the many thank you letters found in her office and the messages posted after her passing, she truly made a difference in countless lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents John P. (Brother) McArthur and Lavender McArthur along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Alma is survived by son Rollins (Renee ) Loflin, granddaughter Ally Loflin of Springfield, grandson John J. Loflin and future granddaughter-in-law Zoey Gibson of Dumas, Texas, along with many friends.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Maltbie Funeral Home in Springfield, Colorado. Memorial Contributions can be made to Sterling Rotary Club Foundation; P.O. Box 828; Sterling, CO 80751. The donation will benefit scholarships, kids camps, and other philanthropic endeavors Dr. McArthur cared about.