Charlene Mae Konestabo

Aug 19, 1935 -

Feb 15, 2022

Charlene passed peacefully from advanced dementia on Feb. 15, 2022, at Golden Agers Senior Care Residence with her family at her side. She was 86 years old.

Charlene was born on Aug. 19, 1935, to Zoa Pearl and Charles Andes Spence in St. Maries, Idaho. She was the oldest of two children. She grew up in Vancouver, Wash., and later moved to Portland, Ore. Charlene moved to Alaska with her husband Verne R. West and five children on Sept. 10, 1972. She loved Alaska and all it offered. She worked at Aero Tech in 1973, where she fell in love with flying. In 1975, she went to work at ACC/UAA in the Aviation Department, where she retired in 1997. Charlene was very active in many organizations and volunteered in several charities, including Anchorage Womens Club, Pioneers of Alaska Aux. #4, Anchorage Emblem Club #329, Salvation Army Auxiliary, Real Alaskans, Alaska-Yukon Pioneers, Nome Womens Club, Anchorage Moose Lodge, Anchorage Elks #2868, International Sourdough Reunion, Pioneer Luncheons, King/Queen Coronations, Anchorage Opera, Anchorage Visitor Center, Anchorage Symphony, Veterans Domiciliary, Special Olympics and Anchorage Sr. Center Annual Mother-Daughter Tea.

Charlene, at the age of 80, was still actively participating in three bowling leagues and summer horseshoes. She lived an amazing life full of joy and excitement!

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Charles A. Spence, Zoa P. Nielsen; son, Terry K. West; granddaughter, Miranda L. Delaney; and previous husbands, Verne R. West, Jay McMahill and Donald "Connie" Konestabo.

Charlene is survived by her sister, Sally K. Bidlake (Larry) of Riddle, Ore.; daughters, Laura L. Snell (Tim) of Damascus, Ore., Linda S. Cucullu (Chuck) of Wasilla; stepdaughter, Donna (Dave) of Flagstaff, Ariz.; sons, Steven R. West of Palmer, and Brian S. West of Wasilla; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Per Charlene's wishes, she will be cremated, and her ashes will be lovingly joined with those of her late husband Connie and granddaughter Miranda at a private location.

The family would like to acknowledge the following for their compassionate care and support: Alzheimer's Resource of AK, Always Caring, Mat-Su Senior Services, Ann Marie West and especially Golden Agers Senior Care.

Services will be held at Janssen's Mat-Su Funeral Home, 6901 E Blue Lupine Drive in Palmer, on March 5, 2022, from 2-4 p.m.