Alta was born on August 30, 1915 near Chelsea, Iowa to Jay Oliver Ryan and Cora Esther Metz Ryan. She was raised in Chelsea and Grinnell respectively and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1934. Alta was united in marriage to Harold W. Buck on September 30, 1939 in Tabor, Iowa. The couple farmed for many years on the Buck family century farm near Grinnell. Harold and Alta enjoyed attending card parties, square dancing and attending rodeos in their younger years. A highlight for them was going to the Calgary Stampede with her cousin. Alta was deeply devoted to her Lord, husband, family and the land. She was an active member of the First Friends Church in Grinnell, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. Her hobbies were tending to her flowers and garden, antiquing, quilting, decorating cakes, and creating oil paintings. Alta is survived by her children, Edwin (Debra) Buck of Bartow, Florida, Ernest Buck of Iowa City, Iowa, James (Linda) Buck of Vidor, Texas, Thomas (Marcia) Buck of Richmond, Texas, Fred (Julie) Buck of Grinnell, and Kathryn (Michael) Stark of Bakersfield, California; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and her sister, Wilma Lincoln of Grinnell. Alta was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Warren, Harry and Wayne Ryan; and her sister, Marjorie Halstead.