Myrtle Florence Anelon

Apr 8, 1940 -

Jul 21, 2020

Myrtle Florence Anelon was born in Iliamna, Alaska, on April 8, 1940. Myrtle's parents were Alexandria Drew of Nondalton, Alaska, and Harvey Drew of Massachusetts. Myrtle had a rich but strict childhood. Myrtle's parents impressed upon her and her 16 siblings the importance of hard work and the value of family. Myrtle grew up in Iliamna and spent the summers on the beaches of Naknek, commercial fishing with her family. She remembers carrying fish at the age of 6 across the mudflats.

When she was 17, she started dating a man named Elia Anelon from Newhalen, Alaska. The couple married May 2, 1959, in Naknek, Alaska, with $8 rings from Sears Roebuck. When they married, "they didn't have a pot to p*ss in or a window to throw it out of." Together they started Gram's Cafe B&B, fished in Naknek, and raised five children.

Throughout her life, Myrtle held many titles such as: a volunteer health aide, postmaster, business owner and fisherwoman, but she would say the most important were wife, mother, gram and great-gram. She was a devoted member of the Russian Orthodox church. Myrtle would like you to know that her work here is done. She lived a life caring for others and has earned her rest.

She is now reunited with her family that went before her, and her husband where the lifesaver gummy supply is endless, and the Hank Williams music is on repeat. Her motto was to always be good to others, and we will all strive to live up to her wishes. Myrtle took her last breath on July 21, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 80, surrounded by family.