Leland "Leroy" Gannaway

Aug 10, 1931 -

Nov 25, 2025

Longtime Alaska resident Leland "Leroy" Gannaway, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Veterans and Pioneer Home in Palmer on Nov. 25, 2025. Leroy was born on Aug. 10, 1931, in Milton-Freewater, Ore., to Roy and Belle Gannaway. After graduating high school he joined the United States Air Force in 1951 with four friends. They choose the Air Force because the brochure had a swimming pool with ladies around it. Of course, they never saw either! He served during the Korean War and was stationed in Europe for three years, where he took care of two F-86 Sabre American Air Fighters. He also traveled frequently to North Africa and received the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal during his service time. In September 2014, he was awarded a quilt from Forget Me Not Quilts of Valor and in April 2015, he was selected to participate in the Last Frontier Honor Flight. After the war Leroy attended Oregon Institute of Technology and received a technical associates degree in auto body and fender repair. He was working at Pollard Motors in Milton-Freewater when he met Rachel McCann. They were married on April 7, 1962. In early 1969, he saw a slide show of Homer, Alaska. Leroy, Rachel and their two daughters arrived in Homer on May 19, 1969. He worked at Alaska Seafoods and HI-North Marine Supply 1969-1975, the City of Homer 1975-1980, and his favorite job, due to his gift of gab, Spenard Builders Supply 1980 until retirement in 1996. Leroy was a very active community member in Homer. He served as the Port/Harbor Commissioner Feb. 1973-Sept. 1975, the Homer Advisory Planning Commissioner July 1987-June 2002, and Homer's Representative on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission Oct. 1990-July 2001. He also served on the South Peninsula Hospital's Service Area Board for 25 years. The hospital's cafeteria is dedicated to him because he always enjoyed the food and he could eat for free the first Thursday of every month. He was also a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 16 with 65 years of continuous membership. Leroy and Rachel bought a motorhome in 2000 and became snowbirds. In 2008, they decided that it was time to settle down again and moved to Wasilla. He than made the move to Palmer in 2024. Leroy enjoyed trap shooting, bowling, fishing and playing cards. He will always be remembered for his never-ending supply of jokes, his great sense of humor and playfulness, his ever-ready wit and charm, his congeniality and comradery, his generosity and candidness, his leadership and chairmanship and, most of all, his handshake that never knew a stranger.

Leroy is survived by daughters, Anna Dunbar (Franklyn) and Jody Moore (Marcus); grandchildren, Franklyn II and Rachel Dunbar, Sean, Leland "Wyatt" and Amelia Moore; and many others who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Belle Gannaway; brothers, Bruce and Dan Gannaway; and his loving wife, Rachel.

Robert "Bert" Hall Sr.

Sep 19, 1933 -

Nov 4, 2025

Robert "Bert" Ayer Hall Sr., son of Richard and Hazel Hall, born on Sept. 19, 1933, passed away on Nov. 4, 2025, in the presence of his family, due to a bout with pneumonia after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's. He was 92 years old.

Bert was born and raised in Lowell, Mass. He was active in scouting and ultimately earned the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating high school in 1950, he enrolled in the Lowell Technological Institute, where he became involved in numerous activities including student government, theatre and glee club, and community/fellowship service organizations. In his senior year he served as president of the Iona Student Fellowship, an organization dedicated to fulfilling the religious needs of students of the Protestant faith. He graduated in 1955 with a bachelor's degree in synthetic textile manufacturing.

After graduation Bert was drafted into the Army. During the following two years he was assigned to Fort Dix in New Jersey, where he earned recognition as Outstanding Soldier in 1955, Fort Lewis in Washington, and finally to Fort Richardson in Alaska, where he served as a medic. It was during this third assignment that he fell in love not only with Alaska, but also with Helen Trice, whom he loved so deeply that he ultimately married her three times!

Bert's unwavering religious faith next took the newlyweds to Berkeley, Calif., and the Berkeley Baptist Divinity School. Bert studied to become a minister and graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1960; 20 years later his degree was upgraded to a Master of Divinity by the American Baptist Seminary of the West.

After seminary the Halls returned to Alaska with two young sons, Robert and Mark. Bert became Pastor for the American Baptist Church in Cordova, and over the next few years he and Helen were blessed with two more children, Sheryl and David. In 1964, they took in many people from Chenega, a nearby village which had to be abandoned after the '64 earthquake spawned a 27' tsunami that completely destroyed it. Their selfless act truly endeared the Halls to both communities.

Bert's sense of civic responsibility eventually compelled him to set aside his pastoral duties. The family moved to Anchorage in 1965, and what followed was a long list of civic engagements, employments and memberships - not necessarily in chronological order - including: Executive Director of the United Way of Anchorage; Scoutmaster and member of the Western Alaska Council, Boy Scouts; Deputy Commissioner/Commissioner of the State of Alaska Department of Health and Welfare; Alaska Liaison to the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; Director of the Department of Health & Environmental Protection, Municipality of Anchorage; President of the Alaska Public Health Association; Executive Assistant to U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski in Anchorage and Washington, D.C.; Director of Health & Social Services, North Slope Borough, Barrow; Director of the Department of Health & Social Services, Municipality of Anchorage; Associate Director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Anchorage Outpatient Clinic / Regional Office; Alaska Representative to the Governing Council of the American Public Health Association, including one term as President; Member of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars during the Reagan and Bush administrations; Chairman of the Alaska Parole Board; Chairman of the Alaska Comprehensive Health Advisory Council; Chairman of the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council; Chairman of the Alaskan of the Year Committee; Member of the Alaska Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse; Member of the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies - University of Alaska Anchorage Magadan-Chukotka Medical Expedition; President of the Rotary International Anchorage Club; Chairman of the Wasilla Chamber Military Affairs Board; Member of the [Matanuska] Valley Performing Arts Board; Member of the [Matanuska] Valley Christian Conference Board; Member of the Wasilla Rotary Club; and Board member of the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry.

Other notable achievements: Jaycee's Distinguished Service Award, 1966; Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, 1969; Alaska Public Health Association Long-Term Service Award, 1983; Alaska Public Health Association 1988 Barbara Berger Award; Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Award, Military Committee, 1993-94; Honorary member of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, 2001; Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, 2001; U.S. Army Commander's Award for Public Service, 2004; The Alaska Distinguished Service Medal, for eight years of service to the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council, 2012; and 52 years of perfect attendance in Rotary International. He was the inaugural recipient of the Bert Hall Award, Mat-Su Health Foundation on June 10, 2013, an annual award dedicated to recognizing individuals who consistently exemplify a commitment to improving the health and wellness of people in the Mat-Su Borough.

Bert leaves behind a loving family: wife, Helen; son, Robert "Bob" and wife Amy; son, Mark; daughter, Sheryl (Wittig) and husband Michael; son, David and wife Joan; adored grandchildren, Robyn Hall and Kiva Ketcham, Rebecca and Michael Wittig, and Svea, Brigitta and Annika Hall; and niece, Margaret Levine. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Hall.

One of Bert's pastimes in later years was reading obituaries, so if he is in a place where he can still read them, he might appreciate seeing this, as a reminder of all of the good things he will long be remembered for.

The Celebration of Bert's Life will take place beginning at 4 p.m., on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla. The family requests that any donations be given to Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, AlzAlaska.org/donate.

Maybelle "Belle" Hamilton

Dec 19, 1925 -

Oct 21, 2025

Maybelle "Belle" Hamilton passed away peacefully at home in Corinth, Texas, on Oct. 21, 2025, just two months shy of her 100th birthday. She spent her final years surrounded by the love and care of her daughter, Nancy, with whom she had lived since moving from Naples, Fla., in 2022. Before her time in Texas, Belle enjoyed several years in a retirement community in Naples near her son, Jim.

Belle's remarkable life began in the eastern United States and carried her across the continent. After graduating from Sargent College at Boston University in 1948 and completing additional physical therapy training, she made a bold journey to Alaska in 1957 to assist with the Elks cerebral palsy program. When Alaska achieved statehood in 1959, Belle became its first licensed physical therapist—an accomplishment that reflected her lifelong dedication to helping others.

In Anchorage, Alaska, she met Robert "Bob" Hamilton (d. Sept. 20, 2018), who was volunteering his carpentry skills at the Alaska Treatment Center. Bob had grown up on a farm in Longmont, Colo., later earning a degree in animal husbandry from Colorado State University following his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The two married in 1959, and built a life defined by hard work, faith and deep devotion. Together they homesteaded, raised their four children—Steve, Anne, Nancy and Jim—and became active, longtime members of First Baptist Church. All four of their children graduated from West High School between 1978 and 1985.

Belle is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Even in her final years outside of the Great Land, Belle continued to carry with her the spirit of Alaska and the resilience that shaped her life. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Geraldine Kindgren Lampard Keeling

Nov 30, 1935 -

Dec 4, 2025

Geraldine "Gerry" Kindgren Lampard Keeling passed peacefully at home with her daughters present on Dec. 4, 2025.

Born on Nov. 30, 1935, to Saima Hannula Kindgren and Oscar Kindgren, Gerry was the first baby born in the Palmer Colony Hospital, and spent most of her 90 years in her beloved hometown. Gerry graduated valedictorian, Palmer High, 1953, then continued her education at University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Finding joy with family, visiting with people, tending her garden and in following sports - Gerry was a lifelong cheerleader for Palmer Moose.

For nearly 40 years, Gerry passionately served on the Palmer Historical Society, as a board member, the president, author of newsletter and beyond, she did it all; she was a primary curator and caretaker of the Colony House Museum, serving in various roles 1989-2025. Gerry was deeply honored to receive keys to the City of Palmer as Citizen of the Year 2011, and again upon retiring after 42 years serving as an election official in 2017.

Although Gerry's impact is reflected throughout Palmer, her influence, and now her absence, is most deeply felt by her daughters and their families.

Preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jean Prewitt; and husband, David Keeling of Palmer, Gerry leaves behind sister, Barbara Brown; daughters, Laurel Lampard (Bob Edison), Heather Lampard, Colleen Menard (Steve), Erin Keeling and Coral Barron (Dave); grandchildren, Jessica, Trevor, Sarah, Brady, Jade and Isaac; two great-grandchildren; and extended family far and wide.

A celebration of Gerry's life is set for Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, from 3-6 p.m., at the Palmer Depot, 610 S. Valley Way in Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Palmer Historical Society, P.O. Box 1935, Palmer, AK 99645; or Palmer High Basketball or Football Booster Clubs.

Brandon Matthew McElroy

Dec 7, 1984 -

Aug 28, 2025

Brandon Matthew McElroy, 41, of Chugiak, Alaska, died at his home on Aug. 28, 2025.

Brandon was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Dec. 7, 1984. Exceptionally bright from a young age, he attended the gifted program at Rogers Park Elementary and later skipped three years of high school to enroll at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a minor in theater.

At 15, Brandon founded his videography company, Alaska Progressive Media. His passion for cultural storytelling led him to create films for nonprofit organizations working on social issues throughout Alaska, Central America, Cuba, and Thailand. He also supported the local arts community by producing promotional videos for theater, dance, television and visual artists. Brandon generously shared his expertise, teaching workshops in lighting, sound design and videography to young people. He cared deeply for those often marginalized and used his creativity to give voice to their stories.

In later years, Brandon lived with mental illness. Those who knew him well remember his vibrant creativity, thoughtful conversation, compassion and generous spirit. A friend wrote: "Brandon was so creative that he inspired creativity in whomever he was around … His kindness, compassion and desire to help his friends were some of his most honorable traits, and I am a direct beneficiary of his generosity and incredible heart."

Brandon is survived by his father, David McElroy (Susan Ruddy); aunt, Mary Bass; cousins, Dan Harvey (Zhamal) and Maria Brown (Mitch); uncle, John Barrowclough (Emily); cousin, Rebeckah Walsh; uncle, Patrick Barrowclough (Sue); and cousins, Adam Barrowclough (Kristen), Julie Barrowclough (Daniel) and Ethan Barrowclough (Gretchen).

Memorial donations may be made to the McElroy Film, Videography, and Photojournalism Endowed Scholarship at the University of Alaska Foundation by giving online at bit.ly/mcelroymemorial.

Carole Joy Rich

Dec 10, 1937 -

Nov 25, 2025

On Nov. 25, 2025, at the age of 87, Carole Joy Rich left this world exactly as she hoped to, in her own home, surrounded by peace and comfort, with her devoted husband, Tom Oliger, by her side. Tom adored her wholeheartedly. Together they shared a partnership full of affection, humor and adventure. To Tom, she could do just about anything. She was not only the love of his life, but his closest friend.

Born in New York City, Carole built a distinguished career as a reporter, editor, professor and author. She worked in newspapers for many years, and delighted in telling the story of the day she got to yell "Stop the presses!"

She embraced life fully, whether traveling, teaching or savoring the quiet joy of doing her makeup in the morning — a small ritual that grounded her through the decades.

She began her teaching career at the University of Arizona, later taught journalism at the University of Kansas, chaired the journalism department at Hofstra University, and went on to serve as both professor and Atwood Chair of Journalism at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her textbooks continue to shape generations of journalists.

Carole is survived by her husband, Tom; and daughter, Tracey Rich of Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Rich.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to local women's shelters, a cause Carole cared about deeply.

Roger Dean Showers

Aug 15, 1947 -

Sep 8, 2025

Roger Dean Showers, 78, passed away peacefully on Sept. 8, 2025.

Born on Aug. 15, 1947, Roger grew up in a military family that took him from Iowa and Colorado to Japan. At age 12, when his family—including his brother and three sisters—moved to Alaska, Roger found his home. The vast wilderness shaped who he would become and instilled in him the values he carried throughout his life: courage, honor and love.

As a young man, Roger worked as a guide at the remote Kulik Lodge. It was there he discovered two great loves—his future wife, Katherene (Orth) Showers, and the joy of flying.

After being drafted into the military, Roger pursued his love of aviation, beginning a 50-plus year career as a pilot. He flew rotary and fixed wing aircraft extensively throughout Alaska and around the world. He retired after flying in Iraq. He approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and never shied away from learning something new. Some of Roger's favorite flying was piling his family into his own airplane and heading for a beach on which to camp or landing along a river to fish.

Roger was one of the hardest workers you'd ever meet. If he didn't know how to do something, he'd simply learn it. He built the family home and several remote cabins, teaching himself everything he needed to know along the way. There was no project too big for him to tackle.

Roger's wife and daughters, Ella-Kate Showers and Allison Showers-Chlup, were at the center of his world, and he got a kick out of watching his three grandchildren grow. He loved his extended family and friends, and was always creating memories. Roger enjoyed camping, fishing, skiing, exploring Alaska, skeet shooting, playing hockey and he always had a project or two in the works. His greatest joys came from sharing life's journey with his wife, watching his daughters find their own paths, completing a challenging project and the simple pleasure of grilling on "the Queen Ann."

Roger showed his love through unwavering support and a constant willingness to help. He was resilient—no matter what life threw his way, he faced it head-on with courage and determination. Roger often said, "Glad I'm not in a tent"—his way of expressing true thankfulness for all he had, especially when the weather turned foul or times got hard. Roger's legacy lives on in the memories he created, the values he instilled and the family who will always be grateful for the foundation he laid. He is deeply loved and missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Feb. 1, 2026, from 3-5 p.m., at the Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop, Anchorage, AK 99515.

Barbara Marie Stolt

Jul 11, 1938 -

Jul 31, 2025

Barbara Marie Moffitt was born on July 11, 1938, in Spokane, and lived in Garfield, Wash., where her father Harold was a U.S. Mail Carrier and her mother Ramona, a schoolteacher. As a young girl, she and her family lived and traveled in a bus as a musical band performing in nightclubs throughout the western states and Mexico. The family settled in Kodiak, then moved to Seldovia and Cordova, Alaska, with Barbara graduating from Cordova High School in 1956.

Barbara attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she majored in home economics and met her husband, Wayne Stolt. They married on July 31, 1957, at Wayne's family home on Stolt Lane in Anchorage, Alaska, with a room full of family and friends. They set off on their honeymoon that same day on a 4-day 1300-mile road trip. According to Barbara, the trip wasn't a disaster but was a little unusual. The newlyweds traveled first to Valdez, going from one small hotel to an even smaller motel, then to a bunkhouse. It appears their final night stay near Paxon Lake coincided with tourist season and the only two hotels nearby were completely booked. The honeymooners, who had not made any reservations, were left to sleep in their car without blankets and only light jackets. They awoke freezing cold with frost on the ground and ice on the lake. Barbara said it took an hour of driving with the heater on before she warmed up. Thus began their adventurous life together.

Barbara was commissioned as a clerk for the territorial police in June 1957. In 1960, she had her daughter Debra, then a year later her son Terry and left her job to raise the family in their Anchorage home. During this time, she also partnered with Wayne in multiple businesses. As a side hobby, she took psychology and chemistry classes at University of Alaska Anchorage. When son Terry was 6, he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Barbara was an advocate for the special needs of children with disabilities. She volunteered and coordinated fundraising events for the MD Association in Alaska, wrapping Christmas gifts at the JCPenny's Mall and recruiting friends and family to answer phones during the Jerry Lewis telethon each year. She accompanied Terry to the MDA summer camps in Hawaii, which was a place they both loved visiting. Sadly, Terry preceded her in death, at age 20. His ashes were spread in Hawaii shortly after.

Raised in a musical family, Barbara learned to play multiple instruments: the saxophone, accordion, clarinet and piano. In 1969, she joined the Anchorage Sweet Adelines and sang with them for 20 years, performing at local events like the Fur Rendezvous and traveling to compete regionally against other choruses. While the competitions were serious business, Barbara always came home with stories about the fun the women had on the side. After leaving the chorus, Barbara remained close to many of the friends she had made.

Barbara loved to travel. She visited most states and 30 countries worldwide. Many of her travels were business trips offered to her and Wayne as owners of Stolt's Electric, which they opened in 1961, and Stolt's Home Center 1974. Barbara always found a little trinket to bring home as a souvenir, such as the full 7-foot suit of armor from Spain, placed in the TV room as one of the family. With Wayne being of Finnish descent and serving as the Finnish Consul, he and Barbara were members and trustees of the Anchorage Suomi club, having many friends there as well.

Barbara was a creative seamstress, sewing clothes, designing pillows, dolls and Christmas Santas. She was the bookkeeper for the house and cared for several family pets. Her favorite was Ginger, an apricot poodle that Wayne brought home from Seattle at 8 weeks old. No one could have loved a dog more.

In September 2024, Barbara and Wayne moved part-time to Touchmark in Vancouver, Wash., to enjoy a milder winter climate and be close to their daughter. Barbara quickly made new friends in the community, enjoying chats over morning coffee or an evening glass of wine and attending many social events and activities. Her daughter was very happy to have her living so close by.

On July 25, 2025, Barbara suffered a stroke after surgery for a blood clot in her leg. She passed on July 31, 2025, at the Ray Hickey Hospice House with her husband by her side. It was their 68th wedding anniversary. She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by parents, Ramona and Harold; son, Terry; sister, Lorraine; brothers, Delmar (Bub) and Marvin (Johnnie); and adopted brother, Andrew Kolenut. She is survived by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Debra Stolt-Krichko (Kurt); and many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at a later date. In remembrance, the family suggests that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Anneslia Henson Turner

Aug 21, 1933 -

Nov 15, 2025

In Loving Memory of Anneslia Henson Turner

With profound sadness and deep love, the Turner family announces the passing of their beloved matriarch, Anneslia Henson Turner, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at the age of 92, in Sun City, Ariz. An Anchorage, Alaska, resident for 62 years, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Anneslia lived a long and beautiful life marked by resilience, warmth and an indomitable spirit that touched all who knew her.

Born on Aug. 21, 1933, in Baltimore, Md., Mrs. Turner graduated from Douglas High School in 1951. She met Herbert Turner at church when they were just 14 years old. On June 30, 1956, she married the love of her life, sharing 69 years of marriage.

As a proud Air Force wife, Anneslia embraced a life of travel and service, living in Japan, upstate New York, and twice at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska. Wherever she went, she carried a radiant presence—small in stature but mighty in spirit. Her strength, determination, wit, honesty and grace left an enduring imprint on every community she touched.

Her family wrote: "Anneslia was a true spitfire—spirited, loving and generous with her opinions. Her legacy lives on in the lives of those she nurtured and inspired, especially her cherished family."

Anneslia was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise Henson; and father, James Edmonds Jr. She is survived by her devoted husband, Herbert Joseph Turner, and children: Lynette Anneslia Turner, Herbert David Turner (Fran Hebert), Gregory Lawrence Turner (Kristen Turner), Yeriyah Israel and Karen Louise Turner Thern (Alden Thern). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Marissa and Alex Flores, and Hannah and Abagail Israel. She is lovingly remembered by her dearest friends, Betty Ward and Tina Silva.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Anneslia's memory to the Alzheimer's Resource Center of Alaska: http://www.alzalaska.org/.

Her light, laughter and love will remain with us always.

A memorial service will be held in spring 2026 in Anchorage.