Category Archives: Obituary

With family permission:  Contributed by Jimmy Holbrook (grandson)

Rev. Marlin L. Starnes Rev. marlin Leroy Starnes, age 86, Summerville, GA, passed away Tuesday May 8, 2012, at his residence.

Rev. Starnes was born November 6, 1925, in Farlington, Kansas, the son of the late Rev. David Starnes and Fay Kern Starnes.

Rev. Starnes came to Summerville from Delta Junction, Alaska, where he had been pastor of First Baptist Delta Junction, and started the first bus ministry at First Baptist North Pole. He was the 1st representative from Alaska on the Home Mission Board, a graduate of Tennessee Temple in 1966, former pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Cloudland, GA, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Desoto, MO, Cove Road Baptist Church, Mentone, AL, a member of the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during WWII.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Beverly Marline Starnes Holbrook, a great-grandson, Joshua Marlin Hall, brother, David Starnes, JR, half sister, Juaneta Cain.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Neva Armstrong Starnes, grandchildren, Jimmy Holbrook of Cloudland, Tammy Cupp of Virginia, great-granddaughter, Alyssa Hall, brother, Dennis Starnes, Lebanon, MO, sisters, Lola Rook, Lebanon, MO, Ruth Zymm, North Riverside, IL.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Georgia Time on Friday May 11, 2012, at Cove Road Baptist Church in Mentone, Alabama with Rev. Pete Ruble and Rev. David Craven officiating with interment in the Mt. Olive Cemetery. Active pallbearers, Mike Cupp, Chris Drury, Shane Holbrook, Bobby Hughes, LeBron Holbrook, and Ronald Durham. Honorary pallbearers, Men of the Cove Road Baptist Church. Rev. Starnes will be in state at the Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012. Rev. Starnes will also lie in state at the church Friday from 1:30 p.m. until service hour.

Wayne D. Robertson, 54, of Delta Junction, Alaska, formerly of Reading, PA, passed away on April 14, 2012.  Born in Baltimore,  MD, to David L. Robertson and the late Carol A. Mathias Robertson.  He is survived by his sons Derek A. and Darin M., both of Delta Junction, AK, and his father David L. of Reading, PA, brothers Warren A. of Doylestown, PA, Steven M. of Reading, PA, and sister Brenda Utz of Littlestown, PA.

Wayne graduated from Littlestown High School in 1975 and obtained his associate’s degree from Lincoln Tech in Allentown, PA.  His first job was for Lamont Dougherty Geological Observatory assigned to a research ship for one year on the Atlantic/Pacific Oceans.

Wayne retired from Agere Systems (formerly Lucent Technologies) after 25 years as a Journeyman Electronic Technician in 2003.  Shortly thereafter, he fulfilled his life’s dream and moved to Alaska.  He last worked as an Electronic Instrumentation Tech III for the US Army Cold Regions Test Center at the Fort Greely Military Installation.

Wayne loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter.  He was a proud member of the IBEW and strong supporter of the NRA.  His legacy will live on through his sons, who brought him his greatest joy and sense of pride.   Services will be private.

Mervin E. Mullins, Jr., 68, son of Mervin E. Mullins, Sr., and Sarah (Sally) Catherine Watson Mullins (both deceased), resting in his wife Margie’s arms, amidst praise of God and much love, slipped away to worship face to Face at the Father’s Throne on 29 February. This ended a 26 month battle with an aggressive brain tumor, diagnosed 2 January 2010 as already in its final stage. Merv was given two to four months to live, even with surgery, chemo, and radiation. His return to work and driving amazed his earthly physicians. Continued tumor assaults led to more dire medical predictions, including one in June 2011 that he would die in a couple days. These were thwarted by his faith in Christ, plus the prayers of much vigilant care and died, Merv’s strong love with his wife, and his desire to fulfill Christ’s calling here.

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Mervin’s army family rotated often, including to Okinawa. They came to Alaska in 1960, where his father headed the atomic power plant. Merv attended Fort Greely High School his junior and senior years. He loved reading, hunting, fishing, gunshell loading, making puns, developing and printing his own color photographs of school events, friends, family, and nature. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and was an ROTC officer.

As a jest, three of his UAF friends and he legally formed an Alaska university, and awarded themselves doctoral degree diplomas. Quickly, Alaska law was changed to require college curriculum approval and accreditation. Merv never touted his legal doctorate pigskin, but really enjoyed sharing how he’d received it.

Merv’s future wife, Margret (Margie) A. Mullins, had grown up in Delta, having driven up the primitive Alaska Highway in 1952, in a wood-sided station wagon pulling a red, open-topped utility trailer, with seven siblings, parents, and maternal grandmother. Merv knew her in passing. Later, he worked as photographer, writer, layout designer, and as equipment fixer in the UAF student yearbook office next door to where Margie worked and trained the college newspaper student workers. Merv was attracted to her quickness to learn and problem solving endurance and ingenuity. When the press or punched tape typesetters broke down as deadline neared, Merv cheerfully would come at any hour and fix the problem.

As the pipeline crunched housing, families were sleeping in cars and Alaskan airports. Efficiencies cost up to $1800 a month, requiring first and last months’ rents, plus deposit. Seeing Margie improvise a wooden, six-by-eight foot homemade cab-over camper shell into a tiny home with hand-toted but running water and toilet, he fell in love with her creativity, endurance, and hardy “you do what you must do” heart. He proposed to her as he was leaving to join the Army. But Margie was too immature to recognize his mental brilliance, integrity, and manifold strengths, so they wrote, as friends.

As an U.S. Army Lieutenant in the Vietnam war, Merv received the Bronze Star formeritorious achievement in connection with military ope3rations against a hostile force.”

In 1969, he returned to Alaska, working at Elmendorf AFB’s Corps of Engineers as contract reviewer, security manager, disaster relief planner, and computer guru. Still extremely quiet and shy, he waited for Margie. “He never sought from me what wasn’t his as a husband, and he was content just to be near, helping. One Christmas Eve, when visiting our Delta families, amidst twinkling tree lights, with him quietly, contentedly standing by my side, I thought, “If I don’t want him, what DO I want?” I ticked off my list: intelligent, strong, moral, faithful, one who loved his job, good humored, broad shouldered, gentle, and who deeply loved me, letting me massively love, honor, and serve him back. Check, check, check : In an instant, I fell deeply in love with him – then noticed his breathtakingly gentle brown eyes! I wanted to marry him that day. But mom held out for time to send out invitations, etc.”

Merv married Margie, a budding Alaskan artist, art instructor, and Alaskan storybook author and illustrator, on 6 February 1971, in Fort Greely’s chapel. Margie shared, “We have often reminisced how we both had hopes for a sweet marriage. But our love is way beyond either of our greatest expectations. God knew both our needs. And our foster kids over the years have blessed us too.”

Merv heartily enjoyed his work and co-workers at the Corp, including noon volleyball games – until a truck him while bicycling and took out his left leg, needing eight pins to hold it together. For 25 years, he attended the Wednesday noon Bible Study which Claude Vining, a Corps co-worker, led until Claude retired.

During his 42 years of government service, Merv received many federal service awards, such as for his disaster recovery work after Guam’s 2002 super typhoon Pongsona. On 26 August 2011, COL. Reinhard W. Koenig awarded Mr. Mullins “The Commander’s Award For Civilian Service,” for setting and re-setting precedence with his development of the Catastrophic Disaster Response Plan,” his (Merv’s) work planning and coordinating the Cold Weather Response Workshop, and his involvement in the Flood Control Coastal Emergency Program” : bringing “organizations together – state, local, federal, DoD and USACE – to achieve a common goal.” The award cited Merv’s professional competence and his long and dedicated service.” His disaster plans are the model other states often use to implement their own. (Corp Hall of Famer, Allen Churchill, in citing Merv for a different past award, commented that Merv’s disaster expertise is relied on nationally and internationally : if you want disaster management advice, ask Merv.”)

On that same August day, his 68th birthday, Merv was also awarded the Army Engineer Association’s Bronze Order of the Fleury Medal “for inspirational leadership to the US Army Corps of Engineers.” This award “by engineers, for engineers” recognized Merv’s superior service to the Engineer Regiment it supports the Army to assure mobility, enhance protection, enable expeditionary logistics, and build capacity in order to provide commanders with the freedom of action required for full spectrum operations in an era of persistent conflict:”

On 5 January 2011, Mervin was inducted into Alaska District Engineers’ Hall of Fame – its 19th member. Members’ portraits and accomplishments are displayed in the Corp’s main hallway, as historical inspiration. COL. Koenig wrote of Merv, “I quickly came to know him : an incredible engineer with boundless intellect, an unwavering sense of duty and integrity, and a sense of humor that made it fun to be around him.”

Mervin is survived by Margie, his tenderly beloved bride of 41 years. Early on, they decided that “the honeymoon would never be over,” and lived that out daily.

After Sally (Merv’s mom) passed away, also from cancer, Gene remarried and adopted his second wife, Betty’s, three children, Tom, Julie, and Vickie. Betty, the three children, and their families live stateside.

Merv’s funeral will be at 11:30 am, on Friday, 9 March, 2012, at Anchorage Christian Center, located at Minnesota and 100th Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Fund, or Rochester, Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Center.

Tay Marie Sarver-Key was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, on February 28, 1980, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 2, 2012.

She was raised in Delta Junction, Alaska, where she graduated from Delta Junction High School in 1998.

She is survived by her son, Austin James Key, of Nixon, Texas; and her parents, Mike and Elizabeth Sarver, of Roanoke, VA. She also leaves behind a sister, Janis Sarver, of Roanoke, VA; and maternalmgrandparents, Paul and Arlene Eilers, of Shelby Mich.; mother-in-law and best friend, Candy; father-in-law Richard Guidry; Granny Fay Robinson and
sister-in-law, Summer Guidry, all of Texas.

Tay was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Charles and Jane Sarver,
of Roanoke, VA. A Memorial Service was held at Shenandoah Baptist Church,
Roanoke, VA, on Friday, April 6, and officiated by Pastor Stanley Long. In
lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions to be made to the American
Cancer Society, Carilion Clinic Hospice of Roanoke or to the hospice of your
choice.

If anyoyou would like to send cards, please contact Joyce Bendell for
the address. Call (907) 803-3994 or email

T.C. (Tom) Dull of Gold Canyon, Arizona, was released from his body on March 14, 2012 at Banner Hospice Home in Mesa, AZ, following his battle with cancer.

Tom was born and raised near Portland, Oregon. He joined the Air Force for 8 years and through the Nuclear Power Program came to Delta Junction/Fort Greely, Alaska.  T.C. then took a job working for the University of Texas at El Paso, in Delta Junction.  The program called for shooting rockets into the atmosphere to check for weather patterns.

Thomas was married to Patti Smith on September 30, 1967 at Delta Junction. They have one daughter, Teri Dull Julian of Yakima, Washington, and two grandchildren, Taylor Rae and Alec who live in Minnesota.  Taylor Rae will be having Tom’s 1st great-granddaughter in late April. Tom’s daughter Caitlin Dull Hager lives and works in Kentucky.

T.C. received a degree in Outdoor Recreation from the School of Forestry at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa in 1973.  He then went back to Alaska and worked as a park ranger for the State of Alaska until the Pipeline was being constructed and was hired as an environmentalist.   He then worked at Pump Station #9 for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company until retirement in 1997.

He and Patti traveled in their motor home after retirement frequenting the western part of the United States.  As long as it was West of the Mississippi it was visited at least once each year.

TC will be buried in the National Cemetery in north Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday, March 20, 2012.

Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

James “Jim” C. Harris, 79, passed away on Feb. 28, 2012, at his home in Delta Junction after an extended illness.

Jim was born on May 25, 1932, in Winchester, Ind., the son of Joseph and Leah Harris.

In 2010 five guys (Jim Harris, Jim Storey, Glen Wright, Lou Heinbockel, and Bob Geise) went to South Dakota pheasant hunting. Photo Couretsy Bob Geise

After graduating from Jefferson High School in Randolph County, Ind., Jim attended Ball State Teachers College in Muncie, Ind.

In 1954, while attending Ball State, Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a medical aidman for 21 months. After being honorably discharged from the service, Jim returned to Ball State and graduated in 1957.

Jim’s career as a teacher and athletic coach spanned numerous years, starting with Roann and Bryant high schools in Indiana, before moving to Hayden, Colo., in 1961. At Hayden, Jim taught wood shop and served as the head coach for both basketball and track, as well as assistant coach for football.

In 1975, Jim moved to Delta Junction, where he taught sixth grade and served as the junior varsity basketball coach for three years before taking over as head coach.

Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillip

Jim was an avid gun collector, hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. During his life, Jim hunted almost every major big game animal in North America, bagging a number of record trophies over the years. In addition to hunting all over Alaska, Jim hunted in Africa, and each year enjoyed going to various states in the Lower 48 to hunt both small and big game.

Jim is survived by two sons, Eric Joseph Harris of Chittenango, N.Y., and Anthony William Harris of Newport News, Va.; a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Harris; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy Wagner and Barbara Hollingshead; and many, many friends who love him dearly and played a special part in his extraordinary journey.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his former wife, Linda (Byers) Harris; a son, Ronald Harris; and a grandson Anthony Eric Harris.

Jim’s ashes will be spread upon the place he loved, the great state of Alaska.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers; please send donations to the Interior Alaska Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 671, Delta Junction, AK 99737. Checks should be made out to Interior Alaska Hospital Foundation. This foundation is working to support a project that was very dear to Jim.

Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.

Linda Ferrell passed away surrounded by family and friends in Mc Minnville Oregon on February 11, 2012.

Linda Kaye Magers was born to Glen and Ava Magers in McMinnville Oregon on November 28, 1948.

Linda was welcomed by siblings Forrest, Glenva, Marilyn, Howard, Vern and Allen.

Linda graduated from Willamina High School and went on to study at Chemeketa Community College. Armed with knowledge and a big heart she dedicated her life to nursing those in need and caring for children.

A marriage to Larry Smith gave her three blessings. Joseph Smith, Tater (Troy) Smith and Leanne Smith. Linda raised her kids in the Willamina area making sure they grew up surrounded by life long friends and family that helped nurture them along the way. In the later years of her life Linda doted on her grandchildren and travelled to Alaska and Illinois to make sure she was a part of their lives.

Linda enjoyed watching the grandkids play and teaching them to sew, knit, crochet and bead among other crafts.

Linda became ill with cancer and though she faught hard she lost her battle and was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Glen and Ava Magers; brother Forrest Magers and son Tater (Troy) Smith. Linda is survived by five siblings; Glenva Clark, Marilyn Rosenbalm, Howard Magers, Vern Magers and Allen Magers. Children Joseph and Trena Smith of Palmer Alaska.  Leanne and Anthony Cripps of Delta Junction Alaska. Grandchildren Krystal, Krystina, Kate, Brandy, Lia, Gabrielle, Joseph Jr., Troy, Chris, Josh and great grandson Jayden.

A celebration of life was held Feb. 12th at Marilyn Rosenbalm’s home in Willamina Oregon.

On December 1st Tiana began her new life in heaven with a brand new body, where there is no more tears, sorrow, cry or pain.  We miss Tiana’s laughter, her jokes, her sweet smile, her kindness, her helpfulness,  her straightforwardness.  We had so many things planned  to do with you Tiana.  We love and miss you terribly and cannot believe you are not here.

We know we will see you again in heaven in the presence of Jesus, where we will all enjoy the sights and sounds of heaven and walk on streets of gold together, and forever we will worship Jesus whom we have longed for.

Thank you Father God for letting us have our awesome, precious, beautiful Tiana.

Robert Lloyd Jenks, age 82, passed away December 16, 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene Jenks; his daughters Dianne Register, Sylvia Horrocks, Patti Bohanan, and Robyn Hess; his sisters Dorrice Wallis and Marjorie Anthony; 19 grandchildren; and 27 great grandchildren.  He was born to Lloyd and Mabel Jenks on May 16, 1929 in Ithaca, New York.  Both of his parents preceded him in death.

Over the course of his life he worked as a 4-H agent, at the Bureau of Land Management, Fairbanks Land Office, New York Life Insurance, Doyon Land Department, Interior Village Association, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and as a self-employed land consultant.  He enjoyed the state of Alaska, flying, singing, traveling, current events, and his grandchildren. He was a member of the AOPA and NRA.

His funeral service will be held December 28, 2011 at noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1411 Fortino Blvd, Pueblo, CO  81008.

His burial is expected to be in June 2012 in Delta Jct., Alaska.

Please make donations to Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org) in his memory instead of sending flowers or other memorials.

Name: Godfrey D. Knight
Age: 85
Address:  258 Pine Tree Drive, Bigfork, Minnesota
Date of Death:   November 6, 2011
Place of Death: Bigfork Valley Nursing Home
Date of Birth: June 26, 1926
Place of Birth: Bigfork, Minnesota

Survived by: His children; Amy Maxfield, Gerri Knight, James Knight, Bridget Graves, John Knight, Lori Knight, and George Prince.  Numerous brothers, nephews, nieces cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Preceeded by: son Keith Knight and daughter Janet Morales.

Visitation:  Saturday, November 12,2011,  12:00 pm until the 1:00 pm Memorial service at Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church, Bigfork, MN.  Full military honors will be accorded.

History:  Godfrey was born and raised in Bigfork and Effie.  During his lifetime he lived throughout the U.S. including Minnesota, Oregon, and his beloved Alaska.  Godfrey was a lumberjack and woodsman who loved nature, animals and the woods.  He loved his children and grandchildren.  Godfrey’s had many unique talents and interests including; artist, poet, survivalist, wood carving, basket weaving, drawing, historian, writer, expert wood axe skills. Constant seeker of knowledge, storyteller, and he overcame much adversity.  Godfrey was a WWII Veteran; served in the US Navy on a destroyer as a radar man, he survived active combat and ship bombs.

Arrangements by: Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, Minnesota.

Long time Alaskan, Ed Walker, passed away peacefully at Providence Hospital on October 28, 2011 surrounded by family.  Ed was born in San Juan Bautista, California on August 28, 1917.  He joined the Army in 1937.  At 6’4″, he was recruited to play both basketball and football for the Army in Hawaii where he made the all star teams each year.  He transferred from Hawaii to Alaska in search of a new frontier and find it, he did!  Following the outbreak of WWII, Ed was selected as a member of the elite joint military regiment for reconnaissance in the Aleutian Islands, the Alaskan Scouts. This group of 65 rugged individuals, hand picked for their individual toughness, later became know as Castner’s Cutthroats of which Ed was the last surviving member.  His children and grandchildren were blessed to grow up hearing story after story about his time as an Alaskan Scout defending our country on Alaska soil.

While still in the Army Ed met the love of his life, Frances Park, in Fairbanks where she was working for the Corps of Engineers in the building of the Alcan Highway. They were married at Ft. Richardson on April 29,1944 and settled in Fairbanks.  Given Ed’s construction background, he started the Arctic Block Construction Company with Con Frank in 1947 and built many of the first permanent structures at both Ladd and Eielson Fields, many during the winter.  Frances worked as the Women’s Page editor for Fairbanks Daily News Miner.

Other early endeavors included working in a mining operation in Good News Bay, lifelong friendships were made while living in Delta Junction publishing the Walker’s Weekly local newspaper and owning the Malamute Saloon, fighting for Alaska’s Statehood and raising four children. The Walkers moved to Valdez in 1960, where Ed and his sons began building houses. They were in the middle of the construction of several houses in Valdez at the time of the 1964 earthquake.  Ed immediately transitioned and began moving houses from the old town of Valdez to the “new town” of Valdez.  He served as a member of the Valdez City Council during the years of rebuilding the town and the construction of the Trans Alaska oil pipeline.  He built many houses in the new Valdez and his last building project was the Village Inn Motel, currently the Mountain Sky Hotel and Suites.

Ed and Frances travelled the world extensively visiting the many friends they made as a result of their ownership of the Village Inn.  Ed was heralded by many as a man who would never ever give up, he was always positive and had a driving passion and vision for a better Alaska.  His incomparable work ethic was an inspiration to his children.  Ed was an author and respected Alaskan historian who was featured in the long running History Channel documentary on the Alaska Scouts. Having received five hip replacements, instead of slowing him down, he authored a book to help others in the same predicament titled “Hip-Hip Hooray!” Following the passing of his wife Frances, he processed this great loss by authoring a book titled “Twenty Women Who Made America Great”. He also authored books about his life including a first hand account as one of Castner’s Cutthroats of the trials and triumphs of the Alaskan Scouts. He enjoyed his final years at the Alaska Pioneer Home in Palmer where he frequently discussed politics, foreign policy and the need for an All Alaska Gasline.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife Frances P. Walker, daughter Kathleen Walker Williams, grandson Luca Sordelli, and dear friend Stella Odsather.  He is survived by his son Bob Walker and wife, Debbie Cimino, of Lafayette, Colorado, daughter Suzy Walker of Palmer, son Bill Walker and wife, Donna, of Anchorage as well as his grandchildren Jason Szymanski, Brent Byrne, Trevor Walker, Felicia Welch, Anna Kate Williams, Lindsay Hobson, Tessa Linderman, Adam Walker, Jordan Walker and six great grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place in Valdez on November 5th  at Faith Harbor Fellowship at 4:00 p.m. with a potluck reception immediately following the service.

Donna Lynn Murphy- Montgomery, was laid to rest on October 8 after a long struggle with emphysema.

Lynn was born on May 8, 1958 in Jackson, Mississippi. She lived in Texas for years, as a Mom and a friend to many. She loved good Southern cooking and southern hospitality.  In 1989 she moved up to Alaska to bring the family closer and to grow in size and love. She had a passion to help those who may need tough love or consistent tlc. A strong will and spirit this beautiful women held love in her heart for all of you and wanted to do anything she could to help. Her door was always open to someone in need. She was a long time member of the Seventh-day Adventist church. She was a true witness of the Lords faithfulness, her life testifies to the power of God.

She is survived by her two daughters Crystal Mercer of Fairbanks and Theresa Mercer
of Ocean Beach California; who will miss her dearly and her 3 sisters, Sue Murphy, Lou Conner, and Brenda Reeder, and 5 nesses and nephews all residing in Texas and her husband Morris Obrien. She will be dearly missed by all those she touched. She is peacefully sleeping waiting for her Lord to return.

There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony Saturday October 29 at 4:00, at the Delta Seventh Adventist Church. Please come and share your memories of Lynn with her family.

Carol “Jay” Underhill, 74, longtime Delta Junction resident, died at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Oct. 14, 2011, surrounded by family and loved ones. She died as the result of a fall.

She was born Carol Joan Holda in Bridgeport, Conn., Oct. 14, 1937, to Ann and Michael Holda. She was the middle child of three sisters.

Jay was the nickname given to her by the love of her life, David George Underhill, on a blind date, Independence Day 1954. They went to see fireworks together, and it was love at first sight. They married April 7, 1956, and their journey began.

In 1960 they built a home in Monroe, Conn., where they raised six children. David, a tool and die maker, was co-owner of Prestige Tool & Design in Shelton, Conn.

Jay was a busy homemaker, active member of her church who drove carpool, kissed boo-boos, entertained neighborhood kids and constantly was on the go. Her children have many happy memories of the good times they shared.

In 1972 Jay and David felt the Lord leading them on a different path that brought them to Alaska. In June 1974, they joined a family of precious believers at Dry Creek. Living in a tent with their children provided endless opportunity to practice survival skills. Their first cabin wasn’t completed until the following spring, and the stories of their early adventures in Alaska could fill a book.

When their children were grown, Jay and David moved to Fairbanks where Jay kept busy volunteering at the Food Bank and opening their home to those in need of hospitality. She also opened her heart to care for her own parents who came to live with her. She was a nurturer of many and friend to all.

Moving back to Delta Junction gave her the opportunity to continue sharing her natural gift of hospitality as she opened their home to bed-and-breakfast guests. Those who visited heard tales of their adventures and shared her rich history as an Alaska pioneer. In 2004, Jay was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thus began a battle that she fought with her whole heart; she confessed daily that God was able to bring her through, and he did. Twice.
Loved ones remember Jay as a fierce mother, loving spouse, kind-hearted friend, and true woman of faith. From the guests who stayed with her to her great-grandchildren, she was a living testimony of God’s grace.
Jay is survived by her husband of 55 years, David; her daughters and sons-in-law, Laurie and David Miller of Fairbanks, Lonnie and John Miller of Delta Junction, Regina Underhill of Kamuela, Hawaii, and Jessica and Kevin Stevenson of Wasilla; sons and daughter-in-law, Robert Hanusovsky of Memphis, Tenn., David Underhill Jr. of Fairbanks, and Jason and Lura Underhill of Big Lake; sisters, Barbara Traverse of Stratford, Conn., and Marcia Olsen of Naugatuck, Conn.; sister-in-law, Dianne Lane of Punta Gorda, Fla.; as well as 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Church at Delta, 3170 Clearwater Road, Delta Junction.

Donations may be made in her name to the Fairbanks Community Food Bank or American Cancer Society .

Reprinted from the Daily News Miner

Beloved Mother and Grandmother Judy Lynn Lentz, 55, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday October 11, 2011 after a short battle with cancer at her son’s family home in Delta Junction.

Judy was born March 13, 1956 to Donald and Barbara Shindelbower at Ellsworth Air force Base, South Dakota while her father Donald Shindelbower was stationed in Korea.   Judy’s family was stationed around the world including Missouri, Germany, and finally landing in Fort Greely, Alaska.  This is where Judy graduated high school a year early in 1973.  After high school Judy moved back to Custer South Dakota with family.  It was at this time that she would marry and travel with her high school sweetheart and live in South Dakota and Wyoming.

In 1979 Judy gave birth to her pride and joy, her son Rance, when they lived in Steamboat Springs, Co.  They moved to Springerville, Arizona before moving back to Delta Junction, AK in 1981 where she would call this home until 2002.  During her 21 year residence in Delta Junction she worked as a stay at home mom and half owner/operator of the Clearwater Lodge. In 2002 she moved back to Rapid City, South Dakota and resided there until her final trip home.

Judy accomplished much in her residence in Rapid City.  She attended many online courses for poetry/writing and catering.  She became a published poet for a few pieces of her work.  Her catering certificate allowed her to become sous chef at Holiday Hills assisted living facility this would then lead to her dream job as executive chef of the facility until Crohn’s finally pulled her away from the job she loved.

She had battled Crohn’s disease since the tender age of 21.  Finally in September 2011 she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and her wish was to come home.  Her son and daughter-in-law fulfilled her wishes for home hospice and for her to be surrounded by the family she loved immensely.

Judy was truly an individual who loved life and her family.  Her hobbies included croqueting masterpieces, competitive billiards, poetry writing, cooking, and creating memories. She is known for her immense inner strength, beautiful personality, generosity, smiling and happy face at the darkest of hours and she will forever be missed.

Judy is survived by her son, Rance Lentz, daughter-in-law Angela, grandsons Gage, Dade, and Rance of Delta Junction, Alaska, mother Barbara Shindelbower of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Sister Dana Mills of Union, Oregon.   She is preceded in death by her father Donald Shindelbower.

No services are planned to respect Judy’s wishes.  In lieu of flowers the family is asking for memorial donations to be entrusted to Mt. McKinley Bank in support of Crohn’s disease and cancer research.   Please contact Rance or Angela Lentz at 907-895-1090 with any questions or to reminisce the life of this beautiful individual.  “Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.”

Edward “Eddie” Ernest Goodermote beloved, father, Grandfather, brother and friend entered into God’s loving embrace on September 16, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born January 2, 1960 to Earl and Harriett Goodermote in Hudson, New York.

Eddie came to Alaska and settled in Delta Junction where he met and married Glinda Stewart in 1979. They had 3 beautiful children, Jeremy, Joshua and Crystal. These children and subsequently the grandchildren; Ryan, Jacob, Kinnley, Joey, Jaxie and Heli were the light of his life.

His grandchildren loved it when Grandpa visited them. He was continually surprising them by slipping balloons inside the doors of their homes and bringing special treats that even Joey could eat. The kindness and consideration that he showed to them, as well as the sense of humor that he displayed to everyone, has created memories that will be cherished by all. He will be greatly missed.

Edward is survived by his children Jeremy Goodermote, Joshua Goodermote, Crystal Diaz and his many grandchildren of Fairbanks, Alaska, his brothers Gordon Goodermote from NJ, His twin brother Everett Earl Goodermote, Timothy Goodermote from PA, his sisters Bonnie Bell, from NJ And Victoria Dickey, April Hunt from PA.

Eddie was a kind soul and would help anyone who needed it. He liked fishing and riding his bike. He worked as a mechanic for many years throughout Alaska and drove a truck over  the haul road and most any vehicle that moved. He was know by many and loved by all. Eddie was great brother and father and Grand father who always talked about his children. He will be missed by us all.

There will be a graveside service at Northern Lights Cemetery, in Fairbanks on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 4:00 PM.

Arrangements were entrusted to Fairbanks Funeral Home, 3704 Erickson Avenue, Fairbanks, AK.

Lifelong Alaskan and Wasilla resident, Mrs. Maria Annette Chavez, 52, died Monday, August 15, 2011 from cancer at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

Memorial services will be held 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2011 at the Wasilla Christian Church, 2201 South Knik Goose Bay Road in Wasilla. Pastor Joe Munday will officiate.

Maria was born May 7, 1959 to Wayne W. and Beatrice Ellen (Stewart) Lynch in Anchorage. She graduated from Dimond High School at the age of 17 in 1976. Maria was all about her family and friends. She put everyone before herself. Maria met her husband, Dennis 35 years ago in Anchorage and fell in love at first sight. They travelled around Montana, North Dakota and Alaska their first seven years of marriage before settling in Healy to start their family. They moved their family to Fairbanks growing their large circle of friends and touching lives with everyone they came in contact with. Maria and Dennis decided they wanted to raise their children on a farm so they moved to Delta Junction where they lived until 2002 homeschooling her four children with great pride. She had volunteered with Project Christmas in both Delta Junction and Fairbanks as well as being a part of the Girl Scouts.

In 2002 they moved to Wasilla where Maria enjoyed working on her yard, knitting blankets for new babies, family and friends. Maria enjoyed corresponding with friends and family, never forgetting to send out birthday and Christmas cards or newsletters. She lived for her grandchildren, never missing a moment to spend with them. Maria loved life and lived every moment like it was her last. She was the least selfish person ever, never giving a thought to herself but to everyone around her. Something simple as a smile could brighten the darkest of days. Maria was the strongest, kindest, most compassionate woman anyone could have known.

Maria was preceded in death by her daughter, Summer EmmaJo Chavez; grandparents, Edward and Peggy Lynch; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Stewart. She is survived by her husband Dennis E. Chavez; daughter, Sparrow JoEllen and Paul Ferreira; son, Zachary Eugene and Mariya Chavez; daughter, Destiny Annette and Travis West; son, Perry Daniel and Nancy Chavez; grandsons, Cody Allen, Zebulon Gabriel, Logan Cole West, twin grandchildren, Julian Miguel and Liam Gabriel Ferreira; granddaughter, Annabelle Alyssa Chavez; parents, Wayne and Ellen Lynch all of Wasilla; sister, Deborah and Brad Wilson of Anchorage; brother, Michael and Maria Lynch of CA; sister, Theresa and Ken Cristman of TX; brother, Joel and Nikki Lynch of Wasilla; sister, Corinna and Tom Schachle of Wasilla; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions for a lung transplant for Dennis be made to the C/O Matanuska Federal Credit Union, FBO Dennis Chavez Acct: 128642, 1020 S. Bailey Street, Palmer, AK 99645.

Arrangements were cared for by the Valley Funeral Home & Crematory

Tilda Jane Shelton
Ridgeville, South Carolina

Jane was born in Ten Mile, Tennessee July 18, 1935

Former resident of Delta Junction Tilda Jane Shelton 76, passed away on, August 4, 2011 at her home in Ridgeville, South Carolina.

Jane resided in Alaska from 1967 to 1993 she worked at the PX and Commissary on Fort Wainwright, Ak for 15 years when retiring in 1982. Jane and Ken ran C’s Motel from 1990 to 1992.

She leaves behind her two children son James & Renee Evans Goose Creek S.C., daughter Marie & Robert Johnson Ridgeville, S.C.

Eight Grandchildren, Rose Tieman, Casey & Kathleen Johnson, Charlotte & Rob Lynch, Jacob Shelton, James Evans, Johnny Johnson and Jessica Evans.

Six Great Grandchildren Jessica, Emilee and Michael Johnson, Abby & Isabell Lynch and Tilda Brei’anna Barnum.

Jane was told in August 4, 2009 she had lung cancer. In January 1, 2010 she lost her husband Ken of 53 years together. Her battle ended on August 4, 2011

May our sister be at peace as our Father takes her by the hand to his home.

A funeral will be held at  2:30 P.M,  August 13, 2011 at Bowers Funeral Home in Decatur, Tenn. 37322 She will be laid to rest by her husband.

The family may be contacted at:
1259 Lebanon Rd
Ridgeville, S.C. 29472

John Bennett Benson, 52, passed away on June 5, 2011. John was born March 16, 1959, in Germany. He had lived in Alaska for the past 42 years.

John was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a faithful and loyal friend. Among his many occupations was working for the power plant at Fort Greely from 1977 to 1998. He became a permanent employee there in 1990. He was a boiler mechanic by trade.

John married Karen Wilken in May 1982, and adopted a daughter Robin Porter. In 1982, his daughter Jennifer was born and his son Brandon was born in 1987.

John married Ruth Keaster on Oct. 21, 2000, in North Pole.

John loved playing basketball, softball, pinochle and cribbage. He was a fan of Braves baseball, Cowboys football and Celtics basketball. He also loved the outdoors, riding horses, crossword puzzles, Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles.

John enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He also loved going on walks and bicycle rides with his mother and dog, Tok. John loved the Lord. He also loved food and moose camp every hunting season.

John is survived by his wife, Ruth Benson of North Pole; his mother Edie Benson of North Pole; daughter Robin M. Porter of North Pole; daughter Jennifer M. Read, husband Jeffrey Brandon and son Jeffrey Maurice of Aurora, Colo.; son Brandon M. Benson, fiancee Samantha Knutsen and daughter Aliegha Kaye of Fairbanks; stepson Michael Hoke Jr., wife Allison, sons Anthony and Alex of Rogers, Ark.; stepson Steven Hoke and fiancee Asha Ben-Israel of North Pole; stepdaughter Amanda Tyson, husband Billy and son Trey of North Pole; sister Julie Kietzman, husband John, son Alan and daughter Sara, of Fairbanks; mother-in-law Emily V. Keaster of Delta Junction; and Mom and Pops Gibbens of Delta Junction.

He was preceded in death by his father, John E. Benson.

There will be a memorial service for John at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 11, at the Community Center in Delta Junction. The service will be officiated by the Pioneers of Alaska. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite Christian charity.

Every person John met, he touched in a very special way. There was a lot of love and understanding; there were no strangers to him. Even on his bad days, he found good in them. He loved everyone and hurt no one. John was always ready to give of himself, and never afraid to work. John will be loved and missed by lots of friends and family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.

Daniel Edward Lucas, 62, of Delta Junction, passed away at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital on Saturday, March 26th 2011.  Dan was born on January 15, 1949 in Klamath Falls Oregon. 

Dan made Alaska his home in 1974 while serving as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1970-1979.  Dan worked for the FFA, Kay Enterprises, and retired from Cold Region Test Center in 2003.  He was a member of the Delta Presbyterian Faith Lutheran Church.

Dan was a devoted and loving husband and father.  He loved gold prospecting, fishing, and traveling Alaska’s country.  He enjoyed floating on the river with friends and family, whether they caught any fish or not.  He also loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish and prospect for gold.  His quiet manner but quick wit was the best part about knowing him.  He will be greatly missed by all. 

Dan was preceded in death by his father, Robert A. Lucas Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Lucas of Delta Junction; daughter, Jennifer and Patrick Dugan of Annapolis, MD; grandchildren, Michael and Caitlyn Dugan of Annapolis, MD; mother, Marian Lucas, of Dorris, CA; sister, Roberta and Russ Criss of MacDole, CA. 

Services for Dan will be held at Delta Presbyterian/Faith Lutheran Church in Delta Junction, Alaska, on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 12:00 p.m with military honors to follow.  Rev. Sandy Faison will officiate.  In Lieu of Flowers, family and friends may make a Memorial Donation to the Alaska Kidney Foundation, 3000 8th St #410, Anchorage, AK 99503. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Fairbanks Funeral Home.

There will be a Celebration of life for Jeri Finley on Saturday September 11th at 5 pm.

It will be Potluck,we’ll meet at the red building by BCS. ( The former Delta Mine Training Center)

Please join us to share your memories. Set up wil be at 3pm for any who wants to help.

Gail Lee Probert passed away peacefully August 11,2010 surrounded by family.

She is survived by her mother and father Alfred and Dorothy Probert, brothers Steven and Richard Probert, son Darren Probert and his spouse Rhea Hansen, all of Delta Junction. Son and daughter in law Loyd and Tisha Pike of Anchorage. And many neices and nephews.

A Celebration of life potlach will be held at the Alaska Steakhouse in Delta Junction August 18th, 2010 at 7pm.

A donation account is setup at Mt. Mckinley Bank under Darren Probert’s name.