Mary "Elaine" Diehl

Jul 7, 1949 -

Jan 22, 2026

Kenai resident Mary "Elaine" Diehl, 76, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna.

A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Frank Alioto will officiate.

Elaine was born on July 7, 1949, in Grapevine, Texas. She went to Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Wash., and received her associates degree in arts and sciences.

Elaine served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975-79 and in the U.S. Army from 1982-84, and she loved telling stories of her life in the military.

She moved to Anchorage in 2002, where she was a pre-school teacher at Bright Beginnings ELC and Northern Lights Pre-School. In 2012, she left Alaska to live in Oregon, but returned to Anchorage in 2018. In 2021, she moved to Kenai to be closer to her family.

Elaine always wanted to attend the United Methodist Church but was raised Fundamental Baptist. She enjoyed gardening, movies, reading, spending time with family, dancing, singing and she was very passionate about politics.

Her family wrote: "My mom loved her family. The last fun we had as a family was over Thanksgiving last year, where we did a blinded makeup party. She had so much fun and so did we."

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Lonnie and Edith Sutton of Texas; and sister, Jean Watkins of Texas.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter and son-in-law, Mariah and Steven Reed of Kenai; daughter, Clarissa Maxey of Hilo, Hawaii; brother, Lonnie Sutton of Texas; sisters, Vicki Eliot of New York and Jerri Sutton of Texas; grandchildren, Aaron Fridlund of Kenai, Megan Beita and husband Diego of Anchorage, and Kassandra "Kassy" Montgomery of Cave Junction, Ore.; and great-granddaughters, Ellie and Ivy Beita of Anchorage.

Memorial donations may be sent to Peninsula Memorial Chapel to be directed to her family.

Jessica Nicole Helmers

Jun 12, 1979 -

Jan 8, 2026

Jessica Nicole Helmers passed away on Jan. 8, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev., with her family and one of her best friends by her side. Jessica Helmers was a beautiful soul whose warmth, kindness and generosity touched everyone she met. She had a rare gift for making friends wherever she went. Jessica was kind to everyone, always offering a smile, a listening ear or a helping hand.

After graduating from West Valley High School in Fairbanks, Alaska, in May 1998, Jessica started attending classes part-time at the University of Alaska Fairbanks while working part-time at the Captain Bartlett Inn. It was soon after that she applied for a job at Alaska USA FCU, now known as Global FCU. Professionally, Jessica built an impressive and respected career at Global Credit Union, and through many years of dedication, leadership and integrity, she rose to the role of Regional Vice President before retiring. She was admired not only for her professional accomplishments, but also for the way she supported and mentored others.

Jessica loved to travel and explore new places, embracing the experiences and memories that came with each journey. In her free time, she enjoyed playing softball and pool, as well as playing cards with her family - moments filled with laughter and cherished memories.

Above all, Jessica will be remembered for her loving heart, her ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

Jessica is survived by her parents, Tom and Teri Helmers of Fairbanks; sisters; Leslie Helmers of Anchorage, Alaska, and Ashley Christenson of Fairbanks; nephews; as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles in Alaska and throughout the states.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life is planned for late May 2026, at Birch Hill Cross-Country Ski Recreation Center.

Janet Houston

Jun 27, 1961 -

Jan 20, 2026

Janet Houston, age 64, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2026.

Born on June 27, 1961, in Centerville, Tenn., Janet lived a life defined by compassion, dedication and love. She most recently made her home in Wasilla, Alaska, where she was deeply rooted in her family and friends.

Janet devoted more than 30 years of her life to caring for others as a registered nurse. Her career was not just a profession, but a calling—one she carried out with skill, empathy and unwavering commitment to those in her care.

Above all else, Janet was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was the cherished wife of Ronald, a devoted mother to Olivia, Benjamin and Joseph, and a proud grandmother to Lucas and Corbin, who brought her immense joy.

Janet will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit and the deep love she had for her family. She found happiness in simple pleasures—spending time crafting, sewing and tending to her garden and flowers—activities that reflected her patience, creativity and nurturing nature.

Her kindness touched countless lives, and her presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Janet was preceded in death by her father, Franklin Plunkett.

She is survived by her mother, Amy (Bill) Flowers; siblings, Timmy Plunkett and April (Josh) Tidwell; her husband of 45 years, Ronald Houston; children, Olivia, Benjamin (Shannon) and Joseph; and grandchildren, Lucas and Corbin.

Deborah L. Kirk

Apr 4, 1950 -

Dec 22, 2025

Debby Kirk, born Deborah Vohs, she preferred to be known as "Debby with a Y," age 75, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2025, at home in Palmer, Alaska. She was born on April 4, 1950, in Deer River, Minn., to Barney and Betty Vohs. At the age of 5, she moved with her family to Gresham, Ore., where she grew up with her older siblings, David and Judy, and attended public schools, graduating from Gresham High School in 1968.

It was in Gresham that she fell in love with Leonard Kirk, and they were married on March 21, 1970, soon after he graduated from Oregon's Portland State University. Their first child Benjamin arrived on April 13, 1972, at Woodland Park Hospital in Portland.

It was in 1973 that the young family set off on their Alaska adventure, arriving in Kotzebue late that year. As Debby cared for little Ben, Leonard started his aviation career, first with Baker Aviation and later with Maxon Aviation and Wien Air Alaska. Debby and Leonard welcomed their daughter Kiana on April 8, 1975. Debby was busy raising two young children, but she soon began providing childcare for the families of doctors working at Kotzebue's Indian Health Service hospital and the families of teachers at Kotzebue's schools. It was the beginning of Debby's long career helping and caring for young people.

In 1979, Debby, Leonard and their young family moved to Anchorage, where Debby pursued her passion for helping families and young people while Leonard continued his aviation career. Debby soon became a licensed childcare provider, operating her own childcare center. And she cared for other children, spending many hours volunteering at the Providence Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In addition, she helped to start the Family Daycare Association to encourage licensing daycare homes and aiming to improve childcare quality.

In 2011, when Debby's aging father Barney needed their help, Debby and Leonard moved back to Gresham to care for him. But when Barney passed away in 2019, they returned to their beloved Alaska, settling this time in Palmer. Happy to be back in Alaska, they joyfully reconnected with old friends.

Palmer is known for wind, and when the wind howled and the power was out, Debby and Leonard enjoyed sitting in front of their fireplace, staying warm and sharing memories of childhood and the life they spent together, raising their family and helping others. Although Debby had ventured as far as Panama and Fiji, her favorite travel memories were in Alaska, especially camping with Leonard, Ben, Kiana and "wonder dog" Albert. Although she dealt with chronic medical issues, Debby always enjoyed friends' visits, bingo at the Palmer Senior Center, playing the "Hand and Foot" card game and working on the jigsaw puzzles that often covered her dining table. She was a caring person who adored Leonard, her children and her grandchildren.

Debby was predeceased by her daughter, Kiana, and survived by her loving husband, Leonard; son, Benjamin; daughter-in-law, Vivian; granddaughters, Savannah and Katie; and grandson, Andy, all living in Alaska. She is also survived by her brother, David of Oregon; and sister, Judy of Colorado.

Those who wish to honor Debby can donate to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Providence Hospital, 3200 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508; or to the Sarcoidosis Research Institute, 320 West Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60654.

Jeffrey Dale Langberg

Jun 28, 1957 -

Jan 11, 2026

Jeffrey Dale Langberg, 68, and a life-long Alaskan, fell asleep in death on Jan. 11, 2026. Jeff was born on June 28, 1957, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Morris and Constance Langberg. He is survived by his mother, Constance "Connie" Langberg; his wife of 43 years, Deanna Langberg; children, Jason and Sasha Langberg, Jaron and April Langberg, Sarina and Randy Urrea, and Nolan and Luana Langberg; grandchildren, Ember, Aspen, and Ocean Langberg, Liam, Lincoln, and Brinley Langberg, and Aksel Urrea; siblings, Scott and Denise Langberg, Barry and Kelly Langberg, Jill and Sam Skidmore, and Vanessa and Arthur Twogood; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews — all of whom he loved.

In 1975, Jeff graduated from Lathrop High School. As a young teenager, he worked up north in pipeline camps until joining the IBEW at 18. He worked for Alcan Electrical & Engineering for the majority of his career, serving as the Fairbanks Regional Manager until his early retirement in 2010.

On June 26, 1982, Jeff married Deanna Lynn Sunderland, the love of his life. As he often shared, they rode his Harley Davidson from their ceremony at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses to the wedding reception, and left the reception in a hot air balloon.

Jeff loved the Alaska life. He and Deanna harvested a moose from their canoe on their honeymoon. He raised his children to love the outdoors, appreciate the creation around them and work hard. He cherished his time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa.

Jeff was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on Nov. 8, 1980, and remained an active minister until his death. He loved people and was known as a very loving shepherd in the congregation.

His Memorial Service will be held on Feb. 1, 2026, at 4 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1247 Old Steese Highway, Fairbanks, AK 99701. A reception will follow the memorial service.

Gary Allan Madison

Dec 22, 1945 -

Jan 21, 2026

Gary Allan Madison, nicknamed "GMAD," died peacefully at his home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Jan. 21, 2026.

Gary was born on Dec. 22, 1945, in Santa Rosa, Calif., to Arlyne Diehl and Harold Madison. Gary grew up in Riverton, Wyo., and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors through fishing, dirt biking, snowmobiling and hunting in the Wind River Range. He later earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Wyoming.

After graduation, Gary joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving six years as an aircraft commander. While stationed in Jacksonville, Ark., he met and married Karen Lynn Hayden, his wife of 50 years. He began his civilian flying career with Air US in Riverton, later working for United Airlines for 20 years and finishing his career with Aero Air medevac.

Gary was an active member of his church for many years, serving as a deacon and as a member of the Gideons. He was widely known for his quiet generosity and service to others, frequently volunteering his mechanical skills, helping process game for families in need of food, shoveling roofs and maintaining yards—always without being asked or without seeking recognition. He consistently placed the needs of others before his own. His life was centered around church and family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen Madison of Anchorage; son, Hayden with wife Margarita Madison and their three children; son, Nick Madison with wife Megan Martone and their son, Carson Madison; daughter, Erica Madison with husband Chris Klosterman and their two children; brother, Steve Madison; and sister, Susan Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lew and Arlyne Diehl; grandmother, Margret Weber; and brother, Kent Madison.

Curtis McCallum

Aug 31, 1951 -

Jan 2, 2026

Curtis McCallum of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Jan. 2, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on Aug. 31, 1951, in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada, Curtis lived a life marked by dedication to family, hard work and genuine connections with others. He was a loving and supportive father to his three daughters, Sara, Megan and Emma, as well as a supportive husband for 31 years. Curtis was immensely proud of his girls and never missed an opportunity to brag about them or make them or others laugh, often with one of his signature dad jokes.

Curtis was a successful entrepreneur and the owner of multiple businesses, known for his strong work ethic and commitment to everything he pursued. His passion for sports was evident early on. He played hockey in college in Anchorage and went on to play professionally for the Anchorage Wolverines. Hockey remained a lifelong love, alongside his enjoyment of golf and many spirited games of cribbage.

Friendly, social and easygoing, Curtis had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. He will be remembered for his warmth, his sense of humor and the lasting impressions he left on those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Curtis McCallum's legacy lives on through his family, friends and all the many lives he touched.

Bradley McCourt

Dec 23, 1951 -

Jan 20, 2026

Bradley L. McCourt, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Wasilla, Alaska, on Jan. 20, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer.

To see full obituary, please visit https://alaskacremation.mykeeper.com/BradleyMccourt/.

A Funeral Service will be help at Christ First United Methodist Church Wasilla, 2635 S. Old Knik Road in Wasilla, where Brad was a founding member, on Jan. 31, 2026, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Ancora Hospice, 3831 Blue Lupine Drive, Suite B, Wasilla, AK 99654; The Last Frontier Honor Flight, P.O. Box 875021, Wasilla, AK 99687; Christ First United Methodist Church Wasilla, 2635 S. Old Knik Road, Wasilla, AK 99654; or a charity of your choice.

James Edgar Rose

Sep 26, 1929 -

Jan 17, 2026

Long time Anchorage, Alaska, resident James Edgar Rose, age 96, passed away at the Polaris Extended Care in Anchorage.

James was born in Nash County, N.C., to Joseph and Viola Rose. He served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Postal Service. While in Rocky Mount, N.C., he met Janell Winstead. They were married on Sept. 7, 1954, in Greenville, S.C.

James was an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman. He loved reading and woodworking. He loved to whistle and watch westerns and war movies. Audie Murphy was his hero. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, treasurer and Sunday school teacher.

He leaves behind his children, Brent (Vickie) Rose, Denise Rose, Kent (Nanette) Rose, Kim (Bruce) Sanders, Craig (Jennifer) Rose and Tami (Chris) Higgins; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his beloved wife, Jenell Rose; his parents; sisters, Minnie, Margaret and Mable; and brother, Robert.

A visitation for James will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at 10 a.m., followed by a service from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Janssens Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage. Rev Bruce Sanders will be officiating. James will be laid to rest at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in spring 2026.

Janice Sumey

Dec 7, 1942 -

Jan 25, 2026

Janice Colleen Sumey (Ericson) was born on Dec. 7, 1942, in North Bend, Ore., to Carl Frederick Ericson Jr. and Mary Patricia Ericson (Murphy). She passed away unexpectedly at home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Jan. 25, 2026.

Janice graduated from North Bend High School in 1961, and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1964. She was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1964. She completed basic training in Montgomery, Ala., in 1965 during the Freedom Marches; served as a labor and delivery nurse at the USAF Academy Hospital; then trained as a flight nurse at the School of Aerospace Medicine. She went on to serve as a Captain at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines with the 19th Casualty Staging Unit during the Vietnam conflict. She remained in the reserves until 1976.

In 1968, Janice married Thomas Sumey in the Philippines and after returning stateside, they relocated to Alaska while continuing her career as a labor and delivery nurse. She raised three children and lived in Fairbanks, Anderson, Moose Pass, Soldotna and Anchorage, where she settled permanently in 1983. She worked for over 40 years supporting families as a Labor and Delivery nurse and retired from Providence in Anchorage in 2010.

She loved her dogs and cats, fishing, berry picking, making jam and smoking fish. She found joy in crocheting sweaters, scarves, hats and blankets for others and we will treasure her creations forever. She also loved traveling with her dear friends and family.

Janice was part of the St. Patrick's, Holy Cross and St. Benedict's parish through her years in Anchorage. She supported the St. Patrick's Senior Group through parish nursing and by making and selling cookies and breads to raise funds to purchase socks for unhoused Alaskans.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary Ericson; sisters, Francis Ericson and Laurie Malone; and sister-in-law, Jeranne.

Janice is survived by her children, Laura Young (Randy), James Sumey and Katherine Sumey; grandchildren, Christina Sumey, Jacob Overway, Max Young and Megan Young; brothers, Fred Ericson, John Ericson (Vicki) and Richard Ericson (Sheila); sisters, Patricia Horne, Buffy Ericson and Mary Ericson (Jack); many beloved nieces and nephews; ex-husband and friend, Thomas Sumey; and bonus family, Candice Engen (Brian), Scott Stanford, John Engen and many that called her "Grandma Jan."

A service will be held at St. Patrick's Parish in Anchorage on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Visitation and rosary from 11-11:30 a.m., Mass at 11:45 a.m., with reception to follow in the hall.

Janice will be buried in Coos Bay, Ore., on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. Service at 1 p.m. at North Bend Chapel, with a 2 p.m. graveside service with Military Honors at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Janice's favorite charities: Brother Francis Shelter or Covenant House Alaska.