Elvaree M. Sumpter

Jul 17, 1934 -

Jun 24, 2020

Elvaree M. Sumpter of New Port Richey, Fla., died at home on June 24, 2020. The daughter of Lonnie and Bertha (nee Graham) Shelley, Elvaree was born in a tobacco barn near Aynor, S.C., on July 17, 1934. Of Waccamaw descent, she was raised in South Carolina until her family moved to Pensacola, Fla., where her father was stationed during World War II. Thereafter, her family moved to Odessa, Fla., where Elvaree attended Plant City High School. After graduation, she attended hairdressing school and worked as a licensed hairdresser for years.

She married Edward Dorough in 1954 and they had their first son, Luke, in 1956, and their second son, Tim, in 1958. They remained in Florida until they moved to Anchorage just before Alaska gained statehood. In addition to league bowling, she opened one of Alaska's first women's fitness and spa facilities. Ree rarely missed her two sons' hockey games despite subzero temperatures at the outdoor city rink, later at Mulcahy or those games played at the historic Anchorage Sports Arena. She and Ed later divorced. In January 1975, she married Jimmy Sumpter in Las Vegas at Caesar's Palace. They lived a life of adventure in Alaska, including commercial fishing out of Seward. Jimmy died in Anchorage in March 1993. Elvaree never remarried but had a longtime relationship with Arthur Schwankl until his death in November 2014.

Elvaree is survived by her sister, Delila Loesch; brother, George Shelley; son, Luke (Darlene) Dorough and granddaughter, Hannah Dorough; son, Tim (Rosa) Dorough and granddaughter, Cera Merrick and grandson, Dylan Merrick; as well as numerous relations throughout South Carolina.

Consistent with her wishes, there will be no service and her ashes will be spread in Alaska at a later date.