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Kathleen Newbury
Kathleen (Kay) Newbury, 87, passed away Jan. 17 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. She was born June 7, 1921 in Porterville, Calif., to Adrian and Eileen Elliot. Her father was a rancher so she spent her growing years on various citrus ranches in the San Joaquin Valley along her brother and sisters. Kay attended elementary school in Lemon Cove, high school in Woodlake and junior college in Visalia, all in California. Following graduation from junior college she ventured to Los Angeles to work; her very first official employment was with the Los Angeles office of the FBI. It was while in Los Angeles that Kay met her husband-to-be, Edward S.E. (Newby) Newbury. They were wed in Fairbury, Neb., in December 1944, where she embarked on her new life as an Air Force Wife.
Through Newby’s various postings they lived in Hawaii, South Carolina, Missouri, Virginia, San Rafael, Calif., and Oklahoma City. During a tour in Ramstein, Germany they were blessed with the adoption of two children, 3-week-old Lisa, and 1-year-old Kelly. This new family returned to the States so Newby could pursue his career in the Air Force. Kay, in the meantime, was adjusting to her new role as a mother in addition to serving as a senior officer’s wife with all its attendant responsibilities. Newby’s final assignment was at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage. He elected to retire at the completion of that tour in 1970. They chose to remain in Alaska even though they both were born and raised in California. They found a charming log cabin in the woods near Palmer for their first civilian home in 30 years. The children completed their schooling in Palmer and went on to follow their own life paths, Kelly in the Navy and Lisa as a wife and mother.
Luckily for Kay, the six-sided one-room cabin morphed into a comfortable home with elegant views of Pioneer Peak. They enjoyed life in this setting, building a new circle of friends and finding new pursuits very different from their experiences in the Air Force. Sadly, Newby was stricken with cancer and passed away in 1984. Kay found herself in a new occupation as an administrative assistant to Fred and Sara Machetanz, a role she thoroughly enjoyed until they both passed on. She became quite the expert at describing Fred’s paintings, recalling the inspiration for and particular order in which he completed each one.
Kay is survived by her son Kelly and his wife Debi, daughter Lisa and husband Greg Dellinger, sister Margaret Elliot of Yorba, Calif., two grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were with Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.
Virginia Mae LaRose Maleski
Virginia Mae LaRose Maleski passed onto eternal life, while surrounded by family members and loved ones, in Wrangell on June 9, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 11, 1929 in Phillips, Wis., to Henry and Clystia-Etta (Hill) LaRose.
Excitement of available land for homesteading in Alaska brought the LaRose family to the Matanuska Valley in 1935, making them one of the original Colonists in the Palmer area.
Much of her youth was spent farming on the family homestead on Farm Loop Road off Fishhook Road, about five miles out of Palmer. It was during her time working on the homestead that she met and married a young soldier, Marion Stockman. Together they had three sons, Robert (Bob), Terry and Billy. They later separated.
In 1952, while working as a cook on the Alaska Railroad, she met, fell in love with and married Chester Rhodes Maleski. The family grew larger as they added three sons and a daughter, Chet Jr., Daniel, Mark and Suzette.
In 1957 they made their move to Wrangell, where Chet Sr. took a job at the lumber mill. In Wrangell, they added the last two children to their family, son Michael and daughter Diana (Kay).
“Even though a large family meant lots of extra work, she always found time to play with her children and later, her grandchildren. This was her greatest joy, ” her family wrote.
She took pride in her baking and cooking, as enjoyed all sorts of dishes, including Polish cusine. Her home was always well-stocked with homemade baked goods. She also enjoyed cake decorating, crocheting, sewing, painting, playing Scrabble, and loved reading a good book, her family wrote.
“Her joy was contagious to all, and our lives have been so blessed and enriched by her goodness, ” they wrote. “We thank God for sending His angel from Heaven. She will be greatly missed by all.”
Maleski was preceded in death by her husband, Chet Maleski Sr.; brother Don LaRose; and sons Terry Stockman and Michael Maleski.
She is survived by brothers Floyd (Marge) LaRose of Anchorage and Gary (Rosemary) LaRose of Palmer; sister-in-law Florence LaRose of Palmer; sons Bob Stockman of Palmer, Bill Stockman of Wasilla, and Chet Maleski Jr. of Kennewick, Wash.; daughters Suzette Habig and Diana (Kay) Gadd of Wrangell; 22 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Services were held in Wrangell.
Helen Maureen Joan Lum
Helen Maureen Joan Lum, 66, died Jan. 12 at Alaska Regional Hospital. At Helen’s request, in lieu of a funeral service, a remembrance and Irish wake will be Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Peter’s Creek American Legion Post 33, Mile 23 Old Glenn Highway.
Helen was born May 29, 1943, in Burns, Ore., the daughter of Leonard H. and Nan P. Waterman. She graduated from Burns High School in 1961 and from the University of Portland in 1965. She joined the Peace Corps, was a substitute teacher in Portland and spent time in Guadalajara, Mexico. Helen moved to Alaska in 1966 when she accepted a position at Palmer High School. During her career she taught Spanish, French and German.
Helen married W. Burton Lum in August of 1967. The wedding and reception took place at Independence Mine Lodge. They spent summers building their Goose Bay homestead and winters teaching school in the Mat-Su Valley, with two years in Bethel. Burt was accidentally killed on the Goose Bay Homesteaders Road in May 1978. In August their daughter, Meg, was born.
Helen shared time between the homestead and her sister’s home, where she cared for her mother until she passed away in 1992. She was an active Girl Scout leader and loved working with children. She was the children’s champion; forever teaching, playing games and defending them against any adversary, real or imagined. Helen loved to socialize, to dance, attend the performing arts and was always up for a good argument. She will be remembered for her acceptance of and generosity to others.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Burt.
She is survived by her daughter, (Meg) Nan Lum; granddaughter, Devin Anderson; sister and brother-in-law, Nan and Robert Sickler; brother, Leonard Waterman of Roseburg, Ore.; stepchildren, Skye Skinner and Hilary McAlistair of Colorado, and Steve Lum of Kirkland, Wash.; and 11 nieces and nephews and their families.
Those who wish to contact the family may call 907-315-2046.
Dr. Myron L. McCumber
Dr. Myron L. McCumber, 81, died Jan. 14 of a heart attack at his home in Palmer. He was born Aug. 7, 1927 to Mr. and Mrs. Allen McCumber in Miami, Fla.
After he received his medical degree in Loma Linda, Calif., he practiced medicine in several states. He moved to Orofino, Idaho in 1961, then to Alaska in 1969 where he continued practicing until his death. He had great compassion for his patients, family friends and the great outdoors.
Dr. McCumber is survived by his wife Norma, five children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one brother and numerous relatives in the Lower 48 and Alaska. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, one son and one granddaughter.
A memorial service will be held at the Valley Funeral Home - Palmer, 2020 Hemmer Rd., Palmer on Saturday at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jim Osborne officiating.
Dr. McCumber will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Norma McCumber, POB 521014, Big Lake, AK, 99652.
Arrangements are under the direction of Valley Funeral Home - Palmer.
Roy Robert Reuter
Former Alaska resident Roy Robert Reuter, 79, did Nov. 13 from complications of pneumonia at Valley West Health Care Center in Eugene, Ore. His family was by his side. There was a graveside service and military ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in Eugene where was laid to rest.
Roy was born Aug. 15, 1929 in Detroit. He was the second of four children born to Howard and Margaret Reuter. He later moved with his family too California. Roy joined the Coast Guard in 1947 and in 1950 he joined the Navy. He received an honorable discharge in 1951 due to an arm injury. Roy then drove from California to Michigan to marry the love of his life, Virginia Heath, who he had dated as a teenager.
Roy and Virginia had three children, but the youngest child did not survive, living only eight hours.
Roy was known for his warm heart and cutting humor. He always had a joke to tell and when he couldn’t think of one, he would make one up and never failed to have everyone laughing.
Roy will be sorely missed and remembered by all who enjoyed any part of his life.
Roy loved being in the woods. He hunted, fished and trapped to provide food for his family. He also enjoyed cutting wood. Roy was happiest when he was living in a house with a wood stove in it.
Roy, Virginia and the girls lived in Michigan, California, Oregon, Colorado and Alaska. In 1966 they moved from Colorado to Wasilla. Roy worked at various jobs such as dairy farmer, school janitor, school bus driver, Mat Maid truck driver and later as a fuel truck driver in Fairbanks.
Roy and Virginia moved to Eugene in 1990 where they retired.
Roy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia Reuter of Eugene, daughters and son-in-law, Shirley and Andy Frank of Springfield, Ore., Nancy Hartgrove of Anchorage, grandson Frank Frohlich Jr., of New Jersey, sisters Eileen, Carol and Cathy and their families in California and Missouri.
Roy was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Paula.
Darlene M. Miller
Darlene M. Miller, 54, died from burns in home fire on Jan. 6.
Darlene was born Sept. 28, 1954, in Frontier, Saskatchewan to Ethel V. and Thomas C, . Anderson. She attended high school in Frontier and earned her registered nurse’s degree in 1978 in Red Deer, Alberta. After completing practitioner school in Colorado Springs, Colo., she worked for 15 years as a neo-natal nurse practitioner at Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Ore.
Darlene moved to Alaska in 2000. Since 2001, she worked as a hospice-palliative care nurse at Mat-Su Regional Homecare and Hospice.
She loved fishing, football, Dodge trucks with Cummins diesels, all animals; especially Punkin, Ruby, Max and Mimi; putzing in her shop and being home.
Darlene felt privileged to work as hospice nurse and fell in love with her patients and their families. She was and is a giver of love and peace.
Darlene is survived by her life partner, Michaele Hannam of Wasilla; mother Ethel V. Anderson, brother and sister-in-law Dale and Leslie Anderson, brother and sister-in-law Kenny and Norma Anderson, brother and sister-in-law Terry and Sherilyn Anderson of Frontier; sister Karen Anderson of Medicine Hat, Alberta; the Hannam Clan, and the “other family” of Portland, Ore.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at VFW Post 9365, 301 Lakeview Ave., off Knik-Goose Bay Road in Wasilla.
Donations can be made to Hospice Foundation of Mat-Su, 1150 S. Colony Way, PMB 349, Palmer, AK, 99645.
Arrangements made by People’s Memorial Funeral Cooperative, Seattle, Wash.
William Daniel Straight
William Daniel Straight, 87, died Jan. 19 at his home inSutton.
was born in Sundance, Wyo., Jan. 4, 1922. He worked in construction and was a big-game guide.
He is survived by his daughters Barbara Straight, Jacque Moslander, Cindy Shafer, his hunting buddy and nephew Charley Reynolds, granddaughters Jennifer and Ashley, grandsons Paul and Kenny, great-grandchildren Cheyenne, Sierra, Walker, Colton, Cordell and Quintin, brother Lyle Straight. And 16 other grandchildren, numerous other great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
William was preceded in death by one daughter, two sons, parents, three sisters and seven brothers.
A public Celebration of Life will be held at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 205 W. Arctic Ave., in Palmer at noon on Saturday.
Arrangements are with kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.
Mark Erickson
Mark Alan Erickson, born Oct. 26, 1965, left us far too early to live with his Father in Heaven on Jan. 20 at the age of 43. Mark was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. His big heart and witty sense of humor will be dearly missed by the many whose lives he touched.
He leaves behind his four children, Sarah Nadine, Kristopher Alan, Kyli Vay and Nanci Marquanne all of Anchorage; his parents Vern and Joan Erickson; sister, Lori and Chuck Caraway with Darin and Jordan from Spokane, Wash.; sister, Cheri and Matt Jones with Mackenna and Benton from Clackamas, Ore.; his brother, Joe Erickson with Courtney, Emilie, Jeremiah, Hannah and Hope from Beaverton, Ore., as well as countless family and friends throughout Washington, Oregon, Montana, Minnesota, Colorado and Alaska where he has lived for the past 23 years.
Preceding Mark in passing were his mother’s parents, Joe and Vay Collison from Spokane; his father’s parents, Lloyd and Gladys Erickson from Whitefish, Mont., and a sister, Lisa Beth, at birth.
Mark was a paramedic who worked as an EMS Battalion Chief for Matanuska Susitna Borough, Central Mat-Su Fire Department in Wasilla. Mark loved those he worked with and was loved and respected by all those who worked with him.
Those in the EMS and Fire Service knew him as “Griz” both because his grizzly bear appearance and his ability to provide care and comfort to those in need much like that of a teddy bear.
He was blessed to have many good friends in Alaska that loved him and supported him in many ways, and he leaves behind a number of especially good friends in Gene Wiseman, Ross Crawford and Henry Schreiber. Mark considered himself very lucky to have such good friends in this life.
As we mourn his loss here on earth, we also celebrate his life and the time when we will be together again.
In lieu of flowers, Mark’s request was for contributions to be made to a charity donation account in Mark’s name being overseen by Gene Wiseman at Wells Fargo Bank.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled to take place at Station 61 (101 W. Swanson Ave. in Wasilla) at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
A procession will begin at 1 p.m. in downtown Wasilla and a potlatch will follow the celebration.
William Daniel Straight
William Daniel Straight, 87, died Jan. 19 at his home inSutton.
was born in Sundance, Wyo., Jan. 4, 1922. He worked in construction and was a big-game guide.
He is survived by his daughters Barbara Straight, Jacque Moslander, Cindy Shafer, his hunting buddy and nephew Charley Reynolds, granddaughters Jennifer and Ashley, grandsons Paul and Kenny, great-grandchildren Cheyenne, Sierra, Walker, Colton, Cordell and Quintin, brother Lyle Straight. And 16 other grandchildren, numerous other great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
William was preceded in death by one daughter, two sons, parents, three sisters and seven brothers.
A public Celebration of Life will be held at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 205 W. Arctic Ave., in Palmer at noon on Saturday.
Arrangements are with kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.
