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Sherry A. Hagen
Homer resident Sherry A. Hagen died Monday, July 21, 2003, from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in Homer. She was 45.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Refuge Chapel of Homer, 1562 Homer Spit Road.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sherry Hagen Memorial Fund, C/O Wells Fargo, account No. 3898339381, 88 Sterling Highway, Homer, AK 99603.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Wayne C. Mize
Former Anchorage resident Wayne C. Mize died Nov. 19, 2002, at his home in Yuma, Ariz. He was 82.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Kasilof cemetery.
Mr. Mize was born in Atlanta on Feb. 14, 1920, to William and Eva (Morris) Mize. He came to Alaska in 1939 while serving in the Army Air Corps.
He was stationed at Fort Richardson and served in the Aleutian Islands for two years as a crew chief on B-47s. After his discharge, he married Kathleen Foley of Anchorage in 1946. He joined the Anchorage Police Department and was the first representative from the Territory of Alaska to attend the FBI Academy in Virginia.
He spent 15 years in law enforcement, retiring as chief of police in Arroyo Grande, Calif. He was appointed to the Treasury Department and retired in 1982.
Mr. Mize and his wife enjoyed the snowbird life, spending the summers in Alaska and wintering in Yuma. His ashes will be be laid to rest in the Kasilof cemetery.
"'Grampy' will always be remembered for his love of his family, his smile and his upbeat attitude, " his family said.
Mr. Mize was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Don Mize of Santa Maria, Calif.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen (Kitty); son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Mary Mize of Sterling; daughter and son-in-law, Fred and Ida Mae Wilson of Sparks, Nev.; and granddaughters, Morgan and Sondra Mize of Sterling.
Pauline Mary (Garcia) Gross
Longtime Alaska resident Pauline Mary (Garcia) Gross died Saturday, July 19, 2003, at her daughter's home in San Jose, Calif. She was 82.
She will be interred in Durango, Colo., on Aug. 1 near other deceased family members.
Mrs. Gross lived in Anchorage for 13 years and Kenai for another 12 years. She enjoyed volunteering at the Kenai Senior Citizens Center, line dancing, crocheting and collecting porcelain dolls.
"She will be missed by all, " her family wrote. "God bless and keep her."
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Susie Garcia; siblings, Doloras Nutt, Verginia Garcia, Ben Garcia, John Garcia and Bill Garcia; and son, John Frank.
She is survived by her brothers, Alex Garcia of Cortez, Colo., and Lawrence Garcia of Anchorage; sisters Walamina Clevenger of Bullhead, Nev., Rose Mary Farley of Durango and Susie McIntosh of Atlanta; sons, Joseph Frank of Kenai, Paul Frank of Patterson, Calif., Martin Frank of Albuquerque, N.M., and Ralph Gross of Anchorage; daughters, Penny Kuk of Anchorage and Bonnie Wray of San Jose; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Taieesha Katrina Stamer
Lifelong Nikiski resident Taieesha Katrina Stamer died Saturday, July 19, 2003. She was 23.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai on Thursday, July 24. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25. Father Frank Reitter will officiate.
Miss Stamer was born Dec. 12, 1979, in Soldotna. While attending high school in Nikiski, she was a star cross country and track runner. She also was a basketball cheerleader for three years and a member of the cross country ski team. After graduating from Nikiski Middle-Senior High School in 1998, she attended college at Hawaii Pacific University for one year. Miss Stamer continued her education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for three years, pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Her adventurous nature took her sky diving in Australia, scuba diving in Hawaii and hiking and horseback riding in the Las Vegas deserts. Her summer and fall seasons were spent at Uyak Bay Lodge in Larsen Bay, Kodiak, where she was the head cook for the past three years. There, she became extremely close to the Aga family, owners of the lodge. Miss Stamer experienced getting her first buck, catching halibut, salmon, octopus, crab and visiting the brown bears in the village. She most recently enjoyed time in California at a Filipino family reunion.
"She enjoyed hunting and fishing in Alaska and loved the excitement of travel, meeting new people and seeing new places. She was always so friendly and was loved so much by everyone who met her, " her family said.
"Taieesha will live in our hearts and memories forever. She will always be remembered with a smile and as the happy fun-loving girl we all knew and loved. She was a beloved daughter, sister and friend to all. Taieesha will be terribly missed by her family."
Miss Stamer is survived by parents, Robert and Celestina Stamer; siblings, Ericksen, Tatiana and Katrina; uncle and aunt, Richard and Ludy Link, and their children Adam, Matthew and Peter, all of Soldotna.
Donations may be made to a memorial fund in Miss Stamer's name at First National Bank, account No. 70218524. For more information, call Debbie Falk at 776-5737.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
Neva LaRae 'Pixie' (McAllister) Notter
Neva LaRae "Pixie" (McAllister) Notter died Sunday, July 6, 2003, of a heart attack at the Republic County Hospital in Belleville, Kan. She was 41.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at Kehl's Palmer Mortuary, 209 S. Alaska St. in Palmer. As she requested, there will be a small private ceremony for the spreading of her ashes in the same area as her father's. Services previously were held at Tibbitts-Fischer Chapel in Belleville on Wednesday, July 9.
Mrs. Notter was born Dec. 8, 1961, in Palmer to Billie Jean (Roark) and Robert A. McAllister. She was raised in Alaska, attending schools in Palmer and Kenai. She moved from Anchorage to Belleville in 1995 to remarry. She and her husband were in the middle of planning the big move back to Alaska.
"Pixie was a wonderful, caring person, a loving mother, daughter, sister and wife. She had a special way with animals, loved to fish, grow roses, read, collected Pegasuses and enjoyed watching cartoons with her kids. Pixie was truly loved and will be greatly missed, " her family said.
Mrs. Notter was preceded in death by her father, Robert Andrew McAllister; maternal grandmother, Neva Roark; maternal grandfather, Bill Roark; paternal grandmother, Alice McAllister; and paternal grandfather, William McAllister.
She is survived by her husband of eight years, Jack J. Notter of Belleville; sons, Robert P. Campbell of Anchorage and Branden J. Notter of Belleville; daughter, Teresa M. Campbell of Belleville and Anchorage; stepchildren, Kayleen and Nathan Notter of Belleville; mother and stepfather, Billie Jean and Jerry Russell, of Anchorage; brother and sister-in-law, Darrell J. and Mariesa McAllister of Kenai; in-laws, Peggy and Dell Wilton of Soldotna and Frank Sr. and Rose Notter of Leavenworth, Kan.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ted and Trish Notter of Sterling, Frank Jr. and Ranay Notter of Anchorage, George and Robin Notter of Soldotna; former husband, William Campbell of Anchorage; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends in Alaska and the Lower 48.
Arrangements were handled by the Tibbitts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville.
Terence (Terry) G. McMahon
Terence (Terry) G. McMahon died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, at his home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, from cancer. He was 72.
Mr. McMahon was born April 5, 1930, to Ormond and Jessie (Tyler) McMahon in Spokane, Wash. He was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1948 and Washington State University in 1952 and was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. While he was in the service, he spent one year at an Air Force early warning radar site in western Alaska as a radar operator.
Mr. McMahon married Shirley Maurer in 1951. They moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1955, when he became the district salesperson for Phillips Petroleum. He later changed careers and entered the real estate business.
In 1966, Mr. McMahon started his own company, Northwest Real Estate. He helped start the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service and held offices in various real estate organizations, including president of the Idaho Association of Realtors in 1976. In 1987, he was forced to retire due to health reasons. He married Gail Guerrero that same year. They divorced in 1997.
"Throughout his life, he enjoyed the outdoors, whether fishing, boating on area lakes and Hood Canal on Puget Sound, wood cutting with friends and family, RV travel, walking his dog or working on one of his many projects. He was an avid reader and during his working career he had the ability to recall facts and figures that could often frustrate and amaze those around him. He was never bashful about sharing his opinions on matters; you always knew where he stood on things, " his family said.
He is survived by his children, Keri Peterson of Post Falls, Idaho, Sherry Biggs and husband, Gary, of Soldotna, Ken McMahon of Hayden, Idaho, and Shawn McMahon and wife, Lani, of Hayden; grandchildren, Erin and Alisa Gillaspy and Justin Peterson of Post Falls, Eric and Whitney Biggs of Anchorage, and Zoe McMahon of Hayden; former wives, Shirley and Gail; brothers, Robert McMahon of Corvallis, Ore., and Barry McMahon of California; and nieces and nephews.
At his request, no services were held. Memorials may be made to hospice of North Idaho, 9493 Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835; Americans to Conquer Cancer and Alzheimer's, P.O. Box 5065, Hagerstown, MD 21741; or a charity of choice.
Pamela Raye Peterson
Soldotna resident Pamela Raye Peterson died Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. She was 56.
Memorial services will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.
Ms. Peterson was born July 19, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Mich. She was educated through high school. She moved to Alaska in 1999, residing in Soldotna. She was a Baptist and enjoyed arts, crafts, music and collecting Coca-Cola items.
"Pam was a terrific mom, great with her children and grandchildren. She was the best friend anyone could ask for. She loved Alaska and she always had a kind word and a smile for everyone. She will be terribly missed by everyone who knew her, " her friend said.
Ms. Peterson was preceded in death by her mother, Althea Butler, and a brother, David Butler.
She is survived by daughters, Lisa Peskin of Ada, Mich., and Christine Galan of Grandville, Mich.; son, Mark Christopher of Saugatuck, Mich.; grandchildren, Alex and Hillary Peskin, Gina and Katelyn Galan and Cassandra, Dustin and Jordan Peterson; brother, Ronald Butler; and sisters, Nancy Skura and Frances Cole.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel and Anchorage Funeral Home.
Pauline Elizabeth (Baker) Waters
Former Kenai and Soldotna resident Pauline Elizabeth (Baker) Waters, of Torrington, Wyo., died Tuesday, June 26, 2001, at a Denver hospital.
A memory service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Kenai.
Mrs. Waters was born on July 31, 1934, in Cheyenne, Wyo. When she was young her family moved to Alaska.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Bovencamp of Fairbanks; father, Harry Baker of Torrington; son, James Waters of Soldotna; brother-in-law Ralph Ault and great-nephew David Roth.
Mrs. Waters is survived by her children Raymond Waters, Rhonda Bates, Brent Waters and Brian Waters of Alaska; grandchildren Zachary, Syanne, Elaina, Brighton, Bobbi Ray, Ethan and Jordan of Alaska; sister, Shirley De Vault of Torrington; brothers Robert Baker of Torrington and James Baker of Kodiak; sister, Margaret Case of Pueblo, Colo.; stepmother, Barbara Baker of Torrington; stepfather, Mel Bovencamp of Fairbanks; nieces Carol Ault of Hawk Springs, Wyo., and Kay Jo Baker of Texas; nephews and their spouses Harry and Jo Thirlwell of Guernsey, Wyo., Joe and Genita Thirlwell of Nikiski and James Eric of Alaska, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Larry Derleth
Longtime Soldotna resident Larry Derleth died Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at his home in Soldotna from pulmonary fibrosis. He was 65.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Pastor Alan Humphries will officiate. A private family gathering will follow after the services. His ashes will be buried in Spruce Grove Memorial Park in Kasilof at a later date.
Mr. Derleth was born Oct. 13, 1937, in Rochester, N.Y. He went to grammar and trade school in Rochester. In 1956, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a torpedo man's mate on the USS SkipJack out of Groton, Conn. He was honorably discharged in 1960.
In 1966, he moved to Alaska, living in Cordova. In 1968, he moved to Soldotna, where he worked as a self-employed contractor. He enjoyed Model A cars and making furniture.
"Larry loved his family. He was a man generous in spirit and called many people friend. He was a gifted craftsman and leaves many of his treasures with his children and grandchildren, " his family said.
"More recently, many people will remember seeing Larry riding his electric scooter through Soldotna with his faithful dog always with a bright orange toy in her mouth. Many beautiful buildings around the peninsula still stand as reminders of this beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Larry also was often seen driving his Model A Fords around town and in parades.
"It is safe to assume we all looked upon him in a similar way. The love and cheer that rang in his voice while singing and rocking us to sleep as young children will never be forgotten. Our memories of him will always be cherished, and although the man so dearly loved is now unable to be with us, the memories will forever be there."
Mr. Derleth was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Derleth, and a brother, Chip Derleth.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Hazel Derleth of Soldotna; sons, Scott and Eric Derleth of Soldotna, and Jim Derleth of Pennsylvania; daughter, Peggy Azzara of Soldotna; grandchildren, David and Audrey Derleth, both of Soldotna, Jessica, Emily, Thomas and Annie Azzara, all of Soldotna, and Giosi and Giusep Derleth, of Pennsylvania; brothers, Tom, Richard and John Derleth, all of Rochester, and Harry Derleth of Palos Verdes, Calif.; sister, Maryann Derleth of Orlando, Fla.; mother, Arlene Derleth of Rochester; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be sent to the American Lung Association of Alaska, 500 W. International Airport Road, Suite A, Anchorage, AK 99518.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
James Ronald Hill Sr.
Longtime Kenai resident James Ronald Hill Sr. died Tuesday, July 1, 2003, at his home in Kenai. He was 68.
Per Mr. Hill's request, no services will be held and his ashes, along with his wife Erline's ashes, will be scattered at Mount Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii, at a later date.
Mr. Hill was born Aug. 28, 1934, in Sequim, Wash., where he was raised and graduated from Sequim High School. He entered the U.S. Navy from 1952 until receiving his honorable discharge in 1955 and continued serving with the reserves until 1957.
He was the owner, operator and meat cutter of H and E Meats Inc. in Bremerton until he retired in 1978. He moved to Kenai in 1982 and was the owner-operator of Kenai Custom Seafoods starting in 1989 until his second retirement in 2001. Mr. Hill was a member of the Eagles Aerie No. 3525 in Kenai.
"Jim loved everything about Alaska and wouldn't have lived anywhere else in the world. He was a man with an extremely big and giving heart. He had the best laugh, " his family said.
Mr. Hill was preceded in death by his wife of 23 years, Erline R. Hill; mother, Ida Daniels; and sister, Pauline Quinn.
He is survived by son, James R. Hill, Jr. of Anchorage; daughter and son-in-law, Julie E. and Dean Matsuoka of Kapolei, Hawaii; granddaughters, Sarah and Dana Hill of Anchorage and Brynn Matsuoka of Kapolei; grandsons, James R. Hill III of Anchorage and Max Matsuoka of Kapolei; brother, Howard Hill of Sequim; cousin, Norman Mapes of Soldotna; and stepdaughters, Cindy Simmons and her family of Joyce, Wash., and Karen and her family and Brody and her family, all of Oklahoma.
Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.
