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FLORENCE D. RICE
Florence D. Rice, 89, died June 12, died quietly, peacefully in her bed in Palmer's Pioneer Home. A long time sufferer of Alzheimer's Disease, she died with her daughter, Carol, and her grandson, Peter, and his wife, Cona, the Home's nurse and aides by her side.
Daughter of Meta and Harry Horton, she was born on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1910, in DeMoines, Iowa. The Horton family ultimately established a lifetime residence in Trenton, N.J., where Rice grew up. Her delicate beauty and unusual poise set her apart and soon landed her a job in the fashion world as a model in New York City and a brief stint as a showgirl in the Zeigfield Follies on Broadway.
At age 19, a gypsy fortune teller reading her palm predicted she would marry a tall dark, handsome man and live to be 91. A few years later she did indeed marry the tall, dark and handsome man, Jack Rice, and bore him two children. Divorced in 1941, she never remarried. Her devotion to her family and invaluable contributions and staunch support of her children over the years is perhaps the quality for which she'll be mostly remembered.
Arriving in Alaska in 1985 at the invitation of her children and their families in the Mat-Su Valley, she spent the last years of her life getting to know and enjoy her burgeoning offspring, many of whom she'd never met. Those who knew and loved her unanimously agree that Florence Rice was "one classy lady."
Rice is survived by longtime residents of Alaska, son, Dick Rice and his wife, Laura, their nine children and 20 grandchildren; daughter, Carol Rice, her four children and seven grandchildren; and brother, Russell Horton and his wife Jean, their three children and respective families living in the Lower 48.
At her request Rice was cremated and memorial services were held June 16 at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla. The family requests any condolences be sent to P.O. Box 874226, Wasilla, AK 99687.
MAUD DEAN 'SUNNY' COWAN
Wasilla resident, Maud Dean "Sunny" Cowan, 69, died at home, June 14, with her family by her side. A memorial service will be 3:30 p.m. June 19, at the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 8100 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage.
She was born on May 2, 1930, in Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, Okla., to John Hawkins Johnson and Maude Frances (Ussery) Johnson. She graduated from University High School in West Los Angeles, Calif. in 1948
She moved from California to Alaska in 1952. She married in 1955. After raising six children, she started her career as a sales associate with J. C. Penney, Co. in 1962 and retired in 1992, In 1989 she and her husband moved to Wasilla. She was a member of the Spenard Pioneers and the Women of the Moose Chapter No. 139.
She was twice presented the Eagle Award for outstanding sales leadership. She won many awards for her art work and her poetry. She loved to paint, draw and write. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, photographing the Alaska outdoors and traveling with her husband throughout Alaska to visit friends. She enjoyed collecting elephants, dolls and recently started a collection of angels.
According to her family, "Maud was nicknamed "Sunny" in high school for her outgoing, cheerful and bright personality. Everyone whose life she touched felt blessed to call Sunny their friend. She loved her husband and children unconditionally. Holidays and summer camp outs were special because it was a time for all the family to be together. She loved watching the Northern Lights and going to the Performing Arts Center for special events. Growing up during the Great Depression taught her to appreciate and treasure the simple things in life and the beauty God created. This was the most important thing she taught her children. She was grateful for everything and everyone. She treasured and saved all cards, letters, drawings and gifts. She loved all children, especially her grandchildren. She was well known for her original jokes and puns. She will be remembered for her inner strength and beauty and her kind and giving heart. Sunny's strong belief in our Lord and her faith never wavered. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends."
She is survived by her husband, Jack Cowan; daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Ron Sands, Kathi and John Green, Kelly and Steve Baxter, Kari and Randy Dupree; son Kap Cowan; grandchildren Tina, Josh, Cody, and Rhys Sands; Shane and Kellsie Green; Craig and Matthew Baxter; Jarett, Madeleine and Marshall Dupree, all of Alaska; brothers, Jack Johnson, of California, Lee Chronister, of Arkansas; sisters, Marjorie Hafeman and Betty Fogle, of California; and many other relatives and adopted family. She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Cowan, her parents and her brothers, Carl and Damon Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brother Frances Shelter, 1021 E. Third Avenue, Anchorage, AK 39501.
Arrangements for the family were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.
MELGES A. "SHORTY" CHAPMAN
Houston resident Melges A. "Shorty" Chapman, 64, died of a massive heart attack June 2, at Valley Hospital in Palmer.
No services will be held per his request, At a later date friends will be contacted for a "Shorty Cookout." His remains will be scattered near the Denali Highway where he hunted.
Chapman was born July 19, 1934 in Battle Creek, Mich. He completed high school, received oil field technical training and had served in the U.S. Air Force. He came to Alaska in 1973, had resided in Houston the last four years and was a former resident of Girdwood.
He had been employed as a toolpusher and driller in oil fields in New Mexico, Texas, California, Wyoming and Alaska. He worked for Parker Drilling at Prudhoe Bay from 1973 to 1977, in Kuwait from 1979 to 1980, and in Saudi Arabia from 1980 to 1983 and was employed by Alaska United Drilling from 1987 to 1993. He was also a drilling instructor from 1983 to 1987 at Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell, N.M.
He was a member of the Baptist Church and be enjoyed hunting, camping and cooking.
His friends Bobby Allison and Sharyl Newberry wrote, "During Shorty's 64 years he touched a lot of lives, especially those of his close friends the last few years. He was always nearby with a helping hand and a smile on his face. His hunting trips were well known for 'good and plenty food' in a very well outfitted camp. His jolly, robust and generous nature will be missed by all who knew him."
Survivors are his sisters, Muriel Rogers, of Rosweil, N.M. and Frankie Sanders, of Indianapolis, Ind.; brothers, Gary Chapman, of Arlington, Texas and Covan Chapman, of Odessa, Texas; and his companion, Bobby Allison, of Houston. He was preceded in death by a sister, Vatis Bell, on February 18, 1999.
Donations in memory of Shorty Chapman may be made to an organization of one's choosing.
Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla.
MARCUS J. STERNHAGEN
Palmer resident, Marcus J. Sternhagen, 74, died June 6, 1999, at Our House Care Home in Palmer, after a lengthy illness. Visitation and Rosary was June 10, 1999, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Palmer. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated by Father Luke Steiner at 2 p.m., June 11, 1999, at St. Mlchaels Catholic Church. Interment will be at Glasgow Highland Cemetery, Glasgow, Mont.
Sternhagen was born Aug. 13, 1924, in Opheim Valley, Mont., to Joseph P. and Mary C. (Carignan) Sternhagen. He was a U.S. Marine Raider from 1942-1945. He attended Princeton University and later graduated from the University of Montana, in Missoula, Mont.
He moved to Alaska in 1979 to be closer to his brother, Dr. Charles Sternhagen. He spent most of his life training dogs and hunting. As a professional dog trainer he won many American Kennel Club Field Trials with those dogs. Recently, he had been a Eucharistic Minister for St. Michaels Catholic Church in Palmer and active in the prison ministries. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and involved with the local Senior Centers.
According to his family, "Marc was a beloved father, grandfather and friend. Marc always was more concerned with others health and well being than his own. He was a very proud 15-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous."
Sternhagen is survived by his two daughters, Alexandra, of Salida, Colo. and Kelsey Ann, of Palmer; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, William G. Sternhagen, of Helena, Mont.; and sisters Mary Farrell, of Spokane, Wash. and Rita Frey, of Aberdeen, Wash. and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four sons and two brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be sent to St. Michaels Catholic Church, 432 E. Fireweed Avenue, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
Arrangements for the family were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.
CLAYTON CLAY SANDERS
Palmer resident Clayton Clay Sanders, 40, died May 3, 2000, at Valley Hospital in Palmer.
A visitation was held Monday, May 8, from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a service at Kehls Palmer Mortuary Chapel.
Mr. Sanders was born July 22, 1959, in St. Louis, Mo. He was a graduate of high school in Columbia, Mo., and had attended classes at Wyoming Technical Institute, AVTECH.
He had been a resident of Alaska since 1978, and had lived in Seward and Palmer.
He was a self-employed mechanic, owned and operated Valley Auto Springs, and enjoyed automobile restoration, outdoors, work and friends.
His family said, Clay lived life to the fullest, refusing to allow even cancer to interfere with his passions and work. He will be missed.
Mr. Sanders is survived by his mother, Shirley Sanders, of Imperial, Mo.; sister & brother-in-law, Heather & Karl Meyer, of St. Louis; brother & sister-in-law, Richard & Christine Sanders, of Sutton; and nieces, Kelley Meyer, of St. Louis, and Maria Sanders, of Sutton.
Arrangements were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.
ELAINE MAE HURD-LAUB
Wasilla resident Elaine Mae Hurd-Laub, 38, died May 29, 2000, at home. There will be no services, but a wake for Elaine was held June 3 at the Mug Shot Saloon in Wasilla, and also on June 4, at Carpentiers Lounge, in Anchorage.
Elaine was born Aug. 18, 1961, in Palmer, and lived her life in Alaska. She was employed as a manager with Kentucky Fried Chicken for 20 years. Her crew at the Wasilla Kentucky Fried Chicken said, She was a very wonderful person, very compassionate, energetic and full of life. She had a strong belief that everyone deserved a second chance.
Her employees described her as The Mighty Munchkin, happy, perky, and bouncy. They said, She was loved by everyone. She had worked hard to bring the Wasilla store from just another Kentucky Fried Chicken. She and her employees were ranked in the top 10 of all 7, 000 stores. They were also ranked 29th in the northwest region. She was very proud of this and gave the credit to her crew.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Laub; father, Vern Hurd; and brother, Patrick Hurd; and by all her employees past and present. Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.
HOYT DUDLEY BONNER
Hoyt Dudley Bonner, 43, died at his home in Wasilla on April 13, 2000.
A memorial service and celebration of his life was held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 17, at Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.
Mr. Bonner was born March 22, 1957, in Arlington, Calif., the son of Hoyt Bonner and Betty Louise Manes. He moved to Alaska in 1984 and spent most of his life employed in the logging industry.
Mr. Bonner was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Louise Manes.
Survivors are his children, Jeremi, Deserie and Heather; father, Hoyt Bonner Jr.; sister Si Savage; brother, Joe Bonner; nieces, Christie Savage and Amber Bonner; nephews, Joshua Savage, James Savage and Brian Bonner; and best friend, Elaine Smith.
EDITH MARGARET STINSON
Former Palmer resident Edith Margaret Stinson, 87, died of natural causes, April 12, 2000, at The Source, an assisted-living facility for Alzheimers patients in Peters Creek.
No services are planned. Private family burial was on April 17 at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery.
Mrs. Stinson was born Dec. 1, 1912, in Nyhill, Mont., to Calvin and Julia Jewell. She graduated from high school in Libby, Mont. She was married to Glenn Stinson in 1953. He preceded her in death in June of 1992.
Mrs. Stinson came to Alaska in 1954 and resided in Anchorage until 1958. From 1958 to 1966 she homesteaded with her husband, Glenn, in Willow. She lived in Kailua, Kona, Hawaii from 1966 to 1969, in Eugene, Ore. from 1969 to 1978, in Dillon, Mont. from 1978 to 1986, in Palmer from 1986 to 1993, and since 1993 at The Source.
She had been employed by Federal Electric in Anchorage and for the Atomic Energy Commission in Hawaii. She was a homemaker from 1968 on, until afflicted with Alzheimers in approximately 1988.
Her family said: Edith was a very devoted and loving wife and mother. She was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease prior to the birth of her two granddaughters and unfortunately was not able to experience the love and joy of Logan and Meghanne.
Despite Ediths disability, both girls loved their grandmother unconditionally. They want their Grandma Edith to know they love her very much and will miss her.
Survivors are her son, Bruce Stinson, of Palmer; daughter, Sandra Peterson, of Spokane, Wash.; and granddaughters, Julia Logan Stinson and Meghanne Colleen Stinson, of Palmer.
Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory of Wasilla.
ERIC MICHAEL McGEHEE
Wasilla resident Eric Michael McGehee, 28, died April 12, 2000, in Talkeetna.
A private family service will be held at the McGehee home in Wasilla later this month.
Mr. McGehee was born Dec. 16, 1971, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. He was a graduate of Wasilla High School, and had been a resident of Alaska since June 1980.
He had worked as a cook at various restaurants in Wasilla, Palmer, and Talkeetna. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla.
He enjoyed fishing and music, and was an artist.
According to his family: Eric was a sensitive son. He had a good heart and loved his family and friends. Eric was a diverse, and wonderful cook, making family get-togethers a true culinary experience.
Eric was a loving father to his young daughter! He loved to go camping and fishing with his dad and family in Alaskas Great Outdoors.
He is survived by his parents, sisters, nieces, and daughter, Chloe, whom he loved dearly.
Arrangements were made by Kehls Palmer Mortuary.
CHARLES DALE KARELLA
Wasilla resident and longtime Alaskan Charles Dale Karella, 71, died April 17, 2000, at Alaska Regional Hospital after a three-month battle to overcome Guillain-Barr syndrome.
The funeral will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wasilla. Charlies wish is that this service be a joyous occasion.
Born Jan. 24, 1929, he was the son of Ambrose J. Rusty and Delora L. (Holt) Karella. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Norfolk. Neb. He attended Norfolk Junior College and earned a civil engineering degree.
Charlies first experience in Alaska was with the Air Force, where he served at Ladd Field from 1946 to 1948. He returned to Fairbanks with his family in 1959.
He was employed as an engineer by the Bureau of Public Roads and later with the Alaska Department of Transportation. He supervised the design section until he moved to Juneau in 1974. His most personally satisfying work was administration of the Local Service Roads and Trails program. He retired in 1986.
Charlie married Pat Borden in Juneau in 1988 and fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1993 by earning his private pilots license.
He is survived by his mother, of Norfolk, Neb.; his wife, Pat, of Wasilla; his mother-in-law, Mary Lou Borden, of Wasilla; his ex-wife, Charlene, of Kenai; five sons, and their wives, Don and Cheryl, of Fairbanks, Kenneth and Rita, of Sequim, Wash., Roger and Denise, Lawrence and Richard, of Kenai; daughter and her husband, BarBara and Mitch Sayegh, of Grass Valley, Calif., three sisters and their husbands, Florence and Roy Larson, of Norfolk, Marcella and Alvin Frauendorfer and Mildred and Frederick Ridder, all of Madison, Neb.; brother and his wife, Jerome Pete and Betty, of Spring Hill Fla.; 13 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, father-in -law Theron F. Ted Borden, and brothers, Ambrose, of Fairbanks, and Lloyd, of Norfolk.
His family said, Charlies family will remember him for his strong faith in God and the Blessed Virgin and the love for his large extended family and many close friends.
His wonderful sense of humor will remain with us always and we will never play a game of cards or see a small airplane without thinking of him. He loved Alaska and all that it entails hunting, fishing, flying his Cessna 172, watching sunsets from the porch of his Lake Louise cabin and Finger Lake home. He never lost his sense of joy in living here.
The family requests that no flowers be sent. Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Church (choir fund) or to a favorite charity.
