| Obituaries 2009 |
| To file a free obituary just e-mail it to the Alaska Pioneer Press at editor@akpioneerpress.co m. Please type in your phone number. Obituaries will be posted here for one month and then moved to an obituary archive page. Photo attachments in tiff or jpeg format are welcome. We will run the obituary in print form in our next edition. We are distributed on the 15th of each month. Call 733-6397 (733-NEWS) with any questions. |
Emmila Ann Denny
Emmila Ann Denny, 66, a Moudy daughter, died in an instant, Thursday,
August 20th, at a Willow rail crossing. She was perhaps better known as
Belles Liberte of Talkeetna's own Green Light Circus, and there are those
who may only know her by voice as the host of "Granny's Radio
Recipes.”
Emmila is dearly loved by all who know her and will be forever
remembered. This town of Talkeetna is built on the lives of people like
Emmila. She was a co-founder of many community projects in her more
than forty years as a Talkeetnan. She may have been most proud of the
library. Supreme in our minds can be her longstanding and untiring toil with
the Denali Arts Council, or the Talkeetna Community Radio, or GLC, or
the VFW, the list goes on and on.
Emmila was the village Fee Agent for many years and then as owner
operator of the Myrtle Marie Moudy Assisted Living Home, and with
other agencies, had been caring for those with health problems for close to
30 years now. Caring for Alaskans all over the valley, she was, to the very
last minute, on that mission.
Emmila was preceded in death by her parents Irving Moudy and Myrtle
Waters and siblings Willadean Little, James and John Moudy. Emmila is
survived by her loving husband R.G. Denny, son Kirk E. Carey, and
grandsons Mitchell and Alexander; daughter Jayme L.S. Moudy-Ferrier,
and dear sister Marva J. Larson, nieces Lora Nelson and Becky Smith, and
all the sons and daughters, and husbands and wives, and many nieces,
nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. Of all the people Emmila loved and
cherished and nurtured, the most personal bond was blessed upon Raven
Ferrier-Ballou, her pride and joy.
And I, R.G. Denny, am forever grateful for her love; she saved my life.
Services to be held in Talkeetna on Monday, September 7th with: public
viewing at VFW Post 3836 from 11 am to noon, private Women's
Auxillary ceremony for VFW members and family only from noon to 12:30
p.m. The community is invited to join in the funeral procession, (walking
only), from the VFW to the Talkeetna Cemetery, gathering at the VFW
parking lot at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome at the graveside service which
begins at 1 p.m. There will be a celebration of Emmila's life to follow, with
music and potluck at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar.
Arrangements are under the care of Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in
Wasilla.
Emmila Ann Denny, 66, a Moudy daughter, died in an instant, Thursday,
August 20th, at a Willow rail crossing. She was perhaps better known as
Belles Liberte of Talkeetna's own Green Light Circus, and there are those
who may only know her by voice as the host of "Granny's Radio
Recipes.”
Emmila is dearly loved by all who know her and will be forever
remembered. This town of Talkeetna is built on the lives of people like
Emmila. She was a co-founder of many community projects in her more
than forty years as a Talkeetnan. She may have been most proud of the
library. Supreme in our minds can be her longstanding and untiring toil with
the Denali Arts Council, or the Talkeetna Community Radio, or GLC, or
the VFW, the list goes on and on.
Emmila was the village Fee Agent for many years and then as owner
operator of the Myrtle Marie Moudy Assisted Living Home, and with
other agencies, had been caring for those with health problems for close to
30 years now. Caring for Alaskans all over the valley, she was, to the very
last minute, on that mission.
Emmila was preceded in death by her parents Irving Moudy and Myrtle
Waters and siblings Willadean Little, James and John Moudy. Emmila is
survived by her loving husband R.G. Denny, son Kirk E. Carey, and
grandsons Mitchell and Alexander; daughter Jayme L.S. Moudy-Ferrier,
and dear sister Marva J. Larson, nieces Lora Nelson and Becky Smith, and
all the sons and daughters, and husbands and wives, and many nieces,
nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. Of all the people Emmila loved and
cherished and nurtured, the most personal bond was blessed upon Raven
Ferrier-Ballou, her pride and joy.
And I, R.G. Denny, am forever grateful for her love; she saved my life.
Services to be held in Talkeetna on Monday, September 7th with: public
viewing at VFW Post 3836 from 11 am to noon, private Women's
Auxillary ceremony for VFW members and family only from noon to 12:30
p.m. The community is invited to join in the funeral procession, (walking
only), from the VFW to the Talkeetna Cemetery, gathering at the VFW
parking lot at 12:30 p.m. All are welcome at the graveside service which
begins at 1 p.m. There will be a celebration of Emmila's life to follow, with
music and potluck at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar.
Arrangements are under the care of Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in
Wasilla.
| 2008-09 Obituaries -- CLICK HERE (Joseph 'Jay' DePeters, Robert Durr, MIchael Fisher, Craig Buckley Wayne, Kathryn Shade, Dora Lynn Issel, Gerald D. 'Chip' Adair 2010 Obituaries -- CLICK HERE |
Robert Wayne Coleman
Longtime Willow and Alaska resident Robert Wayne Coleman, 85,
died peacefully Sept. 15, 2009, with his family at his side.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, Sept 20, at Sparrows Song
Cemetery on the family homestead in Willow.
Bob was born Jan. 7, 1924 to Robert and Cora. He grew up in
Missouri on the family farm and was the star track miler in high
school. He served as a medic during World War II. Bob married
Elizabeth (his “Bunny”) in Walla Walla, Wash. , in 1955. They
drove the Alaska Highway to Alaska in 1960, and homesteaded in
the Willow area. Bob built the family home by hand, cutting and
preparing the logs and living off the land. He worked at Northern
Commercial (now Nordstrom) and was in downtown Anchorage
during the 1964 earthquake, in which he helped in rescue efforts and
rebuilding. Bob traveled up on weekends to spend time with his
family.
After retiring, Bob moved permanently to the Willow area and built
another home. Bob enjoyed spending time with family and went on
numerous hunting, fishing and camping trips. He loved taking his
children mountain climbing to hunt for sheep.
He was a craftsman and enjoyed working around the house, building
things, rebuilding cars and in general, just keeping busy. Always
quick with a joke, Bob had a Johnny Carson-like personality, and
regaled the family with stories of his childhood antics.
He passed many of these attributes to his children, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Cora; siblings
Jo hn and Irma; sons Edward and Gregrey and grandchildren
Christine Coleman and Josh Rutten.
He is survived by his siblings and their spouses Bill and Leah; and
Ruby and Dan; wife Elizabeth; children and their spouses Robert
and Patti, Shereen and Jim, Laureen, Tareen, Jo ireen and Bill,
Kathereen, Mareen, Janeen and Jason, Bob and Sheila, Carol, and
Clyde; grandchildren Chris, Jessica, Jo ni and Jo y; Zenetta; Erica,
Chris and Heather; Ariana and Marina; Michael, Sarah, Jarrod and
Faith; Jamie, Jason and Jessica; Jo shua and Hayley; Janelle, Jo leen
and Jenessa; Damen; Jo lynn and Dawn; and Patrick and Brian; and
great-grandchildren Brooke, Sherylyn and Austin; Payton;
Christopher, Justin, Sonia and Fiona; Alexis, Titus and Chesna;
Mark, James and Alexis; Kristen and Cameron; and Penelope.
Arrangements were by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in
Wasilla.
Longtime Willow and Alaska resident Robert Wayne Coleman, 85,
died peacefully Sept. 15, 2009, with his family at his side.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, Sept 20, at Sparrows Song
Cemetery on the family homestead in Willow.
Bob was born Jan. 7, 1924 to Robert and Cora. He grew up in
Missouri on the family farm and was the star track miler in high
school. He served as a medic during World War II. Bob married
Elizabeth (his “Bunny”) in Walla Walla, Wash. , in 1955. They
drove the Alaska Highway to Alaska in 1960, and homesteaded in
the Willow area. Bob built the family home by hand, cutting and
preparing the logs and living off the land. He worked at Northern
Commercial (now Nordstrom) and was in downtown Anchorage
during the 1964 earthquake, in which he helped in rescue efforts and
rebuilding. Bob traveled up on weekends to spend time with his
family.
After retiring, Bob moved permanently to the Willow area and built
another home. Bob enjoyed spending time with family and went on
numerous hunting, fishing and camping trips. He loved taking his
children mountain climbing to hunt for sheep.
He was a craftsman and enjoyed working around the house, building
things, rebuilding cars and in general, just keeping busy. Always
quick with a joke, Bob had a Johnny Carson-like personality, and
regaled the family with stories of his childhood antics.
He passed many of these attributes to his children, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Cora; siblings
Jo hn and Irma; sons Edward and Gregrey and grandchildren
Christine Coleman and Josh Rutten.
He is survived by his siblings and their spouses Bill and Leah; and
Ruby and Dan; wife Elizabeth; children and their spouses Robert
and Patti, Shereen and Jim, Laureen, Tareen, Jo ireen and Bill,
Kathereen, Mareen, Janeen and Jason, Bob and Sheila, Carol, and
Clyde; grandchildren Chris, Jessica, Jo ni and Jo y; Zenetta; Erica,
Chris and Heather; Ariana and Marina; Michael, Sarah, Jarrod and
Faith; Jamie, Jason and Jessica; Jo shua and Hayley; Janelle, Jo leen
and Jenessa; Damen; Jo lynn and Dawn; and Patrick and Brian; and
great-grandchildren Brooke, Sherylyn and Austin; Payton;
Christopher, Justin, Sonia and Fiona; Alexis, Titus and Chesna;
Mark, James and Alexis; Kristen and Cameron; and Penelope.
Arrangements were by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in
Wasilla.
Jared Hobaugh
1978-2009
MISSOURI -- Jared Frederic Hobaugh,
31, died September 22, 2009, near
Millersburg, MO, while flying his plane
back to Wichita. Jared loved to fly, and had
been flying in Talkeetna, Alaska, where he
worked for K2 Aviation this summer. He
attended Valley Center High School. As an
accomplished song writer and guitarist,
Jared joined a band called Shaft with his
brother Jason, and other friends, that toured
the country.
He was also in the sound and lighting
business, but had more recently dedicated
his life to a career in aviation. Jared was
notoriously adventurous, a true free spirit
who lived life to the fullest.
His experiences and friendship will be
cherished in our memories. Jared was
preceded in death by his father, Fred
Hobaugh, who was a test pilot for Cessna.
He is survived by his mother, Cynthia
(Mrs. Jack) Edwards, brother Jason
Hobaugh of Wichita, sister, Julie Hobaugh,
and grandmother, Mrs. Phyllis McColpin.
Please join us for a celebration of Jared's life
at the Benton Airport, Stearman Field,
14789 SW 30th St, Benton, KS, on
Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 3 p.m.
More details are available at this link.
Online condolences may be left for the
family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com
1978-2009
MISSOURI -- Jared Frederic Hobaugh,
31, died September 22, 2009, near
Millersburg, MO, while flying his plane
back to Wichita. Jared loved to fly, and had
been flying in Talkeetna, Alaska, where he
worked for K2 Aviation this summer. He
attended Valley Center High School. As an
accomplished song writer and guitarist,
Jared joined a band called Shaft with his
brother Jason, and other friends, that toured
the country.
He was also in the sound and lighting
business, but had more recently dedicated
his life to a career in aviation. Jared was
notoriously adventurous, a true free spirit
who lived life to the fullest.
His experiences and friendship will be
cherished in our memories. Jared was
preceded in death by his father, Fred
Hobaugh, who was a test pilot for Cessna.
He is survived by his mother, Cynthia
(Mrs. Jack) Edwards, brother Jason
Hobaugh of Wichita, sister, Julie Hobaugh,
and grandmother, Mrs. Phyllis McColpin.
Please join us for a celebration of Jared's life
at the Benton Airport, Stearman Field,
14789 SW 30th St, Benton, KS, on
Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 3 p.m.
More details are available at this link.
Online condolences may be left for the
family at www.parkerfuneralservice.com
Rodney Norwood Marsh
TRAPPER CREEK -- Rodney Norwood Marsh, 77, died Oct. 5 at Trapper Creek.
He was born on June 28, 1932 in Fort Riley, Kansas to Samuel E. and Loeta Marsh. He was in the
first class to graduate from Shasta College, in Redding, Calif. He was also a graduate of California State
University-Chico in Chico, Calif.
He served the nation with honor and distinction in the California Army National Guard enlisting as a
private and retiring as a major from the 149th Armor Regiment, Salinas, Calif. In 1970 he moved to
Trapper Creek.
Rodney retired as the senior vice president of lending at Alaska Federal Credit Union. He was a
life-long civic-minded individual who served on boards for Credit Union 1. He served on the Historical
Preservation Commission of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough as well as the Trapper Creek
Community Council, Trapper Creek Historical Society, Sunshine Clinic Board of Directors, KTNA
Public Radio Board of Directors, Trapper Creek Comprehensive Planning Team as well as many
others. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, history, genealogy and antique collecting.
Rodney was loved dearly and will be missed by his family, friends and his much loved dog, Petunia.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Shearer of Hollister, Calif.; daughter, Elizabeth Marsh Copus of
Hollister; daughter, Kristin Marsh Vernor of Hollister; son, Peter Marsh of Hollister; son, Rodney
Marsh of Anchorage; bother, Kenneth Lane Marsh of Trapper Creek; brother, Gordon E. Marsh of
Corning, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Patricia Marsh and Laura Lea Ford.
A funeral was held at the Fort Richardson Main Post Chapel. Interment with military honors followed
a at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Valley Funeral Home and
Crematory in Wasilla.
TRAPPER CREEK -- Rodney Norwood Marsh, 77, died Oct. 5 at Trapper Creek.
He was born on June 28, 1932 in Fort Riley, Kansas to Samuel E. and Loeta Marsh. He was in the
first class to graduate from Shasta College, in Redding, Calif. He was also a graduate of California State
University-Chico in Chico, Calif.
He served the nation with honor and distinction in the California Army National Guard enlisting as a
private and retiring as a major from the 149th Armor Regiment, Salinas, Calif. In 1970 he moved to
Trapper Creek.
Rodney retired as the senior vice president of lending at Alaska Federal Credit Union. He was a
life-long civic-minded individual who served on boards for Credit Union 1. He served on the Historical
Preservation Commission of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough as well as the Trapper Creek
Community Council, Trapper Creek Historical Society, Sunshine Clinic Board of Directors, KTNA
Public Radio Board of Directors, Trapper Creek Comprehensive Planning Team as well as many
others. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, history, genealogy and antique collecting.
Rodney was loved dearly and will be missed by his family, friends and his much loved dog, Petunia.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Shearer of Hollister, Calif.; daughter, Elizabeth Marsh Copus of
Hollister; daughter, Kristin Marsh Vernor of Hollister; son, Peter Marsh of Hollister; son, Rodney
Marsh of Anchorage; bother, Kenneth Lane Marsh of Trapper Creek; brother, Gordon E. Marsh of
Corning, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Patricia Marsh and Laura Lea Ford.
A funeral was held at the Fort Richardson Main Post Chapel. Interment with military honors followed
a at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Valley Funeral Home and
Crematory in Wasilla.
Jay Hudson
On Dec. 2, Jay Clifford Hudson, 52, of Hudson Air Service, passed away at
Alaska Native Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
The oldest of four children, he leaves his father Cliff, his mother Ollie, three
brothers, Bruce, Chuck and Scott, and his two precious sons, Dustin and
Clifford, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves his uncles Allan Dahl, Dusty
Robson and many cousins.
Born in Palmer and raised in Talkeetna, Jay graduated from Susitna Valley High.
He was the first newspaper boy, and learned to fly from his father’s lap. He
soloed at the age of 16, the youngest at that time in the state of Alaska. From a
pioneering family of Alaska bush pilots, Jay became well-known and highly
respected throughout the flying world. He participated in many Denali mountain
rescues and was awarded for his services, his safety, and his concern for those
in need.
He will be sadly missed by his family, his friends, and the large community of
climbers and pilots whose lives he touched.
A funeral was held Dec. 12, 2009 at Church of the Rock in Talkeetna followed
by a graveside service at the Talkeetna Cemetery and a potluck gathering at the
Latitude 62 Lodge.
Valley Funeral Home and Crematory handled the funeral arrangements.
On Dec. 2, Jay Clifford Hudson, 52, of Hudson Air Service, passed away at
Alaska Native Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
The oldest of four children, he leaves his father Cliff, his mother Ollie, three
brothers, Bruce, Chuck and Scott, and his two precious sons, Dustin and
Clifford, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves his uncles Allan Dahl, Dusty
Robson and many cousins.
Born in Palmer and raised in Talkeetna, Jay graduated from Susitna Valley High.
He was the first newspaper boy, and learned to fly from his father’s lap. He
soloed at the age of 16, the youngest at that time in the state of Alaska. From a
pioneering family of Alaska bush pilots, Jay became well-known and highly
respected throughout the flying world. He participated in many Denali mountain
rescues and was awarded for his services, his safety, and his concern for those
in need.
He will be sadly missed by his family, his friends, and the large community of
climbers and pilots whose lives he touched.
A funeral was held Dec. 12, 2009 at Church of the Rock in Talkeetna followed
by a graveside service at the Talkeetna Cemetery and a potluck gathering at the
Latitude 62 Lodge.
Valley Funeral Home and Crematory handled the funeral arrangements.