Barbara Lee Barton

May 18, 1942 -

Jun 29, 2026

Barbara Lee Barton passed peacefully in her and daughter Kathleen McFarlin's home in Carson City, Nev. on June 29, 2026. Daughter, Cindy Koch, of Anchorage, Alaska, was also there for her passing. She will be terribly missed but her loved ones take comfort in knowing that she has gone to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Barbara was born May 18,1942 in her parents, Albert Lee and Lottie Mae Barton's home in Hansen, Idaho. Her mother, Lottie Mae died eight days later from complications related to the birth. Her father, Albert married DeLone Haslam who helped raise Barbara.

As a child, Barbara loved to fish with her family, helped in working on the farm in irrigation and caring for the animals. This created Barbara's love for fishing, animals and being outdoors in wide-open spaces. Barbara was very nurturing, caring, and kind to her sisters.

Barbara graduated from Gooding High School and in February of 1960 she married James McFarlin. James and Barbara relocated to Anchorage, Alaska in 1965 where they raised their three children, Kathleen, Cynthia, and James. Barbara later moved to Peter's Creek, Alaska in the 90's.

Barbara worked at Northwest Airlines and Carrs grocery store in Anchorage. Upon retiring from Carrs, Barbara began driving school bus for the Anchorage School District until again retiring 15 years later. Barbara took pride in working hard and loved all of the children on her bus routes.

In Alaska, Barbara's love for family, friends, animals and the outdoors continued throughout her life. She was well known in the animal rescue community. Barbara became a member of Bible Baptist Church in Chugiak where Pastor Tim baptized her. Barbara formed a deep and lasting friendship with Pastor Tim, his wife DeEtta and the members of this community.

After suffering from multiple strokes in 2016, Barbara primarily lived with and was cared for by her daughter, Kathleen in Carson City, Nev. Barbara alternately traveled to Alaska and lived with her daughter, Cindy and husband, Dave to spend time with family and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Kay, Joy, Cindy; and her grandson, Charles Neal. Barbara is survived by her sisters, Vonnie and Cheri; daughters, Kathleen McFarlin and Cynthia Koch; as well as her son, James McFarlin; and her grandchildren, Sabrina McFarlin, Jennifer Neal, Sharla Rydalch (Neal), Calen Neal, Daniel Portlock, Jessica Maloney (Portlock), and Rebecca Bond (Portlock); as well as numerous grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 3, 2026, 2:00pm at Bible Baptist Church, 19535 Old Glenn Hwy, Chugiak, Alaska. All are invited to attend.

Jeremy Briles

May 30, 1989 -

May 25, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Jeremy Briles. Born on May 30, 1989, Jeremy entered into eternal rest on May 25, 2026, in Palmer, Alaska. A beloved husband, father, son, grandson, uncle, cousin and friend. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

Jeremy is survived by his wife, Kylie Briles; sons, Jordan and Jaxon Briles; and daughter, Kinzley Briles. Along with a large family from many places including Alaska, Washington, Montana and Texas. Predeceased by his grandfather, who he loved greatly, George Shoemaker, and along with many others he loved that are no longer with us. Jeremy will surely continue to be loved and remembered by all those who knew him.

A proud graduate, being the first in his family to graduate from college in 2011. Jeremy married the love of his life, Kylie, on July 8, 2011, after being together since March 2009. The couple was blessed with their first child, Jordan, in 2012, their second child, Kinzley, in 2014 and their youngest, Jaxon, in 2017.

Jeremy was a man of many virtues: tall and handsome, known for his wit, humor, smarts and hard work, and a heart as big as his personality. He showed the value of hard work, earning the respect and admiration of many. He was an amazing dad and husband. He cherished his wife and children and never missed an opportunity to express his love and devotion for them. He always made sure they were taken care of. "To die knowing I was a good husband and dad would be the greatest accomplishment of my life," he often remarked. The love he had for his family was immeasurable.

Avid sports enthusiast, Jeremy was a lifelong fan of the Seattle Mariners. He had a true passion for teaching and coaching his kids and others the love of the game. A true passion for him was watching his kids play ball. He had a strong love for fishing, especially learning to fly fish in more recent years. His favorite times were spent fishing, hunting, camping and riding four-wheelers with his family during the summer and fall in Alaska.

Jeremy leaves behind a legacy of devotion and determination. He was an incredible father and husband who never stopped trying. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those who loved him. Jeremy will be greatly missed, forever loved and never forgotten. His memory will be carried in our hearts not just for this life, but into eternity. Until we see him again, he will forever be remembered.

Delia Brown

Oct 8, 1950 -

Sep 17, 2026

Delia Brown, 75, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Sept. 17, 2026.

Born on Oct. 8, 1950, in Tempe, Ariz., Delia moved to Alaska in 1983. She dedicated 38 years as a beloved Administrative Assistant with ConocoPhillips Alaska, where her devoted spirit and dependable nature made her a pillar of her workplace. Delia was known for her kind spirit, resilience and love for trying new things with friends, including painting, sewing, theater, fishing, travel, Toastmasters and hitting the course with the Wacky Women Golf Association.

Delia is survived and deeply missed by her family, including her loving son, Stuart, and four dear brothers, Gil, Arthur, Daniel and Joe. She was preceded in death by her son, John; and brother, Rudy.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Action or Alaska Junior Theater.

Carla Garrod

Jun 3, 1955 -

Sep 20, 2026

Carla Jean Garrod, 71, passed away on Sept. 20, 2026. Born on June 3, 1955 in Anchorage, Alaska, Carla spent most of her life in the state she called home. In recent years she lived in Arizona near her son.

Carla was a 1973 graduate of Dimond High School, where she was a dedicated and highly competitive athlete: Volleyball during high school and an avid softball player afterward for many years. Her competitive spirit and love of sports remained an important part of who she was.

Carla had a special appreciation for Alaska's wilderness. She spent many summers at a remote cabin, where she enjoyed observing and photographing bears. She loved sharing pictures and her experiences with family and friends.

Above all, Carla will be remembered for her generous heart and willingness to help family and friends whenever they needed her. She was someone who could be counted on. Her kindness and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

Carla is survived by her son, Travis Garrod; longtime friend, Ed Hardon; and sisters, Gayle Rus (Jon), Joan Thor (Kurt) and Laurie Miller (Chris). She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Betty Libbey; sisters, Terri Carle, Mary Kaye Dunagan and Jean Libbey; brother, John Libbey; and nephew, Brian Carle.

She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her and remembered for the generosity, friendship and care she shared throughout life.

A celebration life will be held on Oct. 2, 2026, from 4:30-7 p.m., at Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. 541 W. Dimond Boulevard in Anchorage. Family and friends are invited to gather in Carla's memory, enjoy a meal, share stories and friendships that were such an important part of her life.

Sophie Gutierrez

Sep 16, 1938 -

Sep 20, 2026

Sophie Gutierrez passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2026, with her daughter, Kaylene by her side. She was born in Anchorage, Alaska on Sept. 16, 1938, to John and Olga Ondola, and lived in Birchwood as a child. When she was 4 years old, she, her sister, Elsie, and her brother, Carl, were taken to Seward to be treated for tuberculosis. From there they were sent to Wrangell and finally Sitka. She did not return to Birchwood until she was 12 years old. She felt like a stranger, and did not know her language or her family. She graduated from Anchorage High School in 1957 and attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She married Frank Wirth and they had two daughters, Kristen and Kaylene. They divorced in 1968.

She worked for the UAF Post Office and as a Legal Secretary for Alaska Legal Services. She also worked for the Alaska Headstart Program, DNH Development Corporation, The Tundra Times, and the United Methodist Church. She was a Native Village of Eklutna Tribal Member.

In 1974, our family increased by one when she married Gilbert Gutierrez, and we started a lifetime of adventure. They lived in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Chevak, Akiachak, Juneau, Nome, Valdez, and Glenallen. In 2008 she and Gil moved to Bend, Oregon to be closer to Kaylene. In 2018 they moved to Gil's home town, Albuquerque, NM.

She was smart, charming, witty, stylish, and beautiful. The happiest moments in her life were the times spent with family and friends at barbecues, special events, and traveling with Gil and their dog Chico in their RV "Chico's lil house". Sophie and Gil loved their children and grandchildren and went out of their way to make birthdays and holidays special. She always put her family first and did her best to make their lives happier and feel loved.

Her hobbies included gardening, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, reading, taking care of her beloved puppy dogs, and keeping in touch with family and friends on Facebook. She loved to play Scrabble and was hard to beat.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gilbert Gutierrez; sisters, Dorothy Cook and Gina Ondola; brother and spouse, Jerry and Connie Ondola; daughter and son in-law, Kaylene and Daniel Larwin; grandchildren, Lewis and Eric Kirk, and Luke, Lindsey, and Cody Larwin; great grandchildren, Willow, Vanellope, Eric, Saeran, Lexi, Leif, Clay, Max, Inga, and Barrett; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kristen Kirk; brothers, George, Carl, and Roy; and sisters, Ellen, Elsie, Marie, and Sally.

Services to be held at a later date in Anchorage, Alaska.

Elizabeth "Beth" Hazen

Oct 27, 1947 -

Sep 1, 2026

Elizabeth "Beth" Edmiston Hazen, 78, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by her family, recounting the many adventures, stories and memories they had shared over a lifetime.

Beth was born in Boise, Idaho, on Oct. 27, 1947, to Richard and Alice Edmiston. She grew up in Nampa, Idaho, where she met her future husband and love of her life, Richard "Dick" Hazen. Beth attended Nampa High School and graduated in 1966. After graduation, she attended the College of Idaho alongside Richard, and the two were married in December 1966.

Beth and Richard shared more than 50 years of marriage and a lifetime of adventures. Together they built a life that took them from Idaho to Nevada, across the world to Australia, north to Alaska, and on countless trips in between. In later years, they split their time between Anchorage, Alaska, and Tucson, Ariz., enjoying friendships and communities in both places. Some of Beth's happiest times were spent surrounded by her children and grandchildren, including weekends together at the family's lakeside cabin.

Perhaps what those who knew Beth will remember most, however, is what a caring and devoted friend she was. She had a wide circle of friends gathered throughout a lifetime of adventures, travels, work, family and community. Her Beta Sigma Phi sisters held a particularly special place in her life and were an incredible source of friendship and support throughout the years.

Cancer was a part of Beth's story for many years, but it never defined her life. Her life was defined instead by the family she loved, the friendships she nurtured, the adventures she embraced and the many memories she created along the way.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Alice Edmiston; brother, Donald Murphy; sister, Rosilyn Borcher; and beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Hazen.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Denning; three children, Elena Hazen Reierson and husband Dale Reierson, Quinten Hazen, and Kenneth "Gregg" Hazen and wife Laura Warnock Hazen; and grandchildren, Tyler Reierson and wife Piper Reierson, Richard M. Hazen, Elyssa Reierson, Kenneth "Rowan" Hazen and Reese E. Hazen. She also leaves behind many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and a wonderful circle of friends gathered over a lifetime.

A Memorial Service will be held at Legacy Heritage Chapel, 440 E. Klatt Road in Anchorage, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Blood Bank of Alaska in Beth's memory.

John Michael "Mike" Jackson

Feb 16, 1941 -

Jul 4, 2026

John Michael "Mike" Jackson of Cordova, Alaska, passed away of natural causes on July 4, 2026, in Alamos, Mexico. He was born on Feb. 16, 1941, in Sacramento, Calif., to Royle and Thomas Walter Jackson, DVM.

He grew up a free spirited adventurer: pheasant hunting, fishing and swimming in the Sacramento River, hopping trains to travel up into the Sierra Mountains and camping at remote lakes. He attended McClatchy High but graduated from Sacramento High. In his late teens and early 20s he was hired by family friend "Doc" Sanders, to attend cattle and horses being shipped on ocean voyages to Hawaii and the Philippines, experiences which instilled his love of travel abroad.

He left a job with Game and Fish in California in 1970 to seek an Alaskan wilderness adventure. He traveled north with three friends, including a New York artist who also loved the wilderness and eventually became his wife. On that summer's adventure, he found his career as a fisheries technician for Alaska Department of Fish and Game and his home in Cordova.

Mike was passionate about the importance of working in the field, which he felt was vital to sound fishery management. Seasonally, he walked 100 streams twice each summer in Prince William Sound counting returning salmon, and their fry and eggs in fall and spring. After retiring from the state, he developed his own business, Eyak Outlet, rebuilding impellers for the local fishing fleet.

Mike was married to Joan Bugbee on the summer solstice 1973 in Cordova. Their daughter, Brook Bond Jackson, was born in 1976. Together they built their own home and workshop on the shores of Eyak Lake. He was a loyal friend to all he knew and worked with both in Cordova and later in Alamos, where he and Joan made their seasonal home.

Those who knew Mike will remember him for his imagination, sense of adventure, love of a good story and unique characters and character names. He loved hunting, fishing, flying, each of his successive black Labrador retrievers, a morning hot tub with a cup of coffee overlooking Eyak Lake, a refreshing drink of fizzy water and perfecting his smoked salmon.

Mike is survived by his spouse, Joan Bugbee Jackson; daughter, Brook and son-in-law Craig Pester; and three grandchildren, Korbin, Owen and Claire Pester. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Pete Jackson.

A Celebration of Mike will be held on Oct. 10, 2026, at 4-7 p.m., at the Pioneer's Lodge, Pioneer Igloo Hall #19, 621 1st Street in Cordova. A pig will be roasted. Guests are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. All who knew Mike are welcome to come and share memories of him. The family also requests people contribute stories and/photos to the memorial website https://www.online-tribute.com/Mike-Jackson.

George Nikolaj Marchuk

Apr 4, 1958 -

Sep 11, 2026

George Nikolaj Marchuk died on Sept. 11, 2026, at 68 years old.

Born on April 4, 1958, in Trenton, N.J., George moved to Delta Junction, Alaska, as a child. He graduated from Trenton State College and spent 33 years teaching physical education with the Anchorage School District. A devoted Christian and father, George loved sports, music, humor and his Ukrainian heritage.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Erin, Lori and Jordan; four grandchildren; brother, Walter; and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept. 26, 2026, at Faith Christian Church in Anchorage. Donations may be made to NAMI.

Craig Lawrence Rice

Sep 7, 1946 -

Aug 25, 2026

Craig was born in Renton, Wash., to become the middle child between two older and two younger sisters. In 1960, at age 14, Craig and his father traveled to Alaska ahead of his mother and four sisters to build a homestead on Rabbit Creek Road. Craig was present for the 1964 earthquake and was driving his sister and mother home from work on the Seward Highway when it hit. He was in the first graduating class at West High School. In 1965, he was due to be drafted and decided to enlist in the Navy, where he served a tour in Vietnam as a radar technician on a mine sweeper. They stayed mostly off the coast, but as a ship with a shallow draft, frequently went upriver. He finished the last year of his tour dry-docked in Hawaii.

Following the Navy, Craig went into construction working his way up to a highly successful career in the commercial sector as a construction superintendent. He married Mary Knopf in 1986. In 1992, he took an early retirement and started his own company, Close Enough Construction, where he provided services for light commercial and residential projects, engaging with many wonderful clients.

After a stroke in 2008, Craig retired and enjoyed helping friends with projects and completing extensive home improvements for two fixer-uppers. Throughout his life he loved camping and fishing. He enjoyed traveling with Mary to visit family, and to his two favorite destinations - Mexico and New Zealand.

Craig will likely be remembered the most for his sense of humor; he had a joke or pun for every occasion, topic and for every age.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Larry Lear Rice; mother, Thelma Virginia Reina; sisters, Kathy Jo, Terri and Penny; and nephews, Troy and Ryan. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Knopf; sisters, Lorraine and Cris; nieces, Erica, Tracy and Aimee; and nephews, Darin, Loren and Gary.

Carolyn S. Riggan

Feb 7, 1947 -

Jul 27, 2026

Carolyn S. Riggan was born on Feb. 7, 1947, in Shreveport, La., to Harlin and Dorothy McDowell. In 1957, at the age of 10, Carolyn and her family moved to Alaska, where she would make her home and build a life filled with family, friendships and service to her community.

Carolyn graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1967. Shortly after graduating, she began her career with the City of Anchorage. She devoted her entire professional career to the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, where she served for more than 40 years. During her distinguished career, Carolyn worked in the General Manager's Office, Engineering, and the Information Technology Department, to mention a few. Her dedication and years of service made her a valued member of the organization.

In 1967, Carolyn married Jerry S. Riggan. Together they raised two children: Kevin S. Riggan and Melissa R. Russell.

Carolyn passed away on July 27, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harlin and Dorothy McDowell; beloved husband, Jerry; brother, Marty McDowell; and nephew, Shane Ruggles.

She is survived by her son, Kevin S. Riggan; daughter, Melissa R. Russell and husband Dan; grandson, Zachary Russell; sister, Virginia Ruggles and husband John; and nieces, Jennifer Ruggles and Jourdyn Achenbach.

Carolyn will be remembered for the life she built in Alaska, her more than four decades of dedicated service to the Anchorage community and, most importantly, her love and devotion to her family. Her memory will remain a lasting part of the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Elizabeth Joann White

Dec 8, 1930 -

Sep 15, 2026

Elizabeth Joann White, known to all as "Joann," passed away peacefully on Sept. 15, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 95.

Joann was born on Dec. 8, 1930, in Cumberland, Md., to Ernest Joseph White Sr. and Hazel Dayton White. She was the youngest of 11 children.

Joann's deep faith and devotion to God were the foundation of her life. In 1949, at the age of 18, Joann entered the Poor Clare Monastery in Bordentown, N.J., where she devoted herself to a cloistered life of prayer and service. Known for her joyful spirit, humility and dedicated service to the church, she worked tirelessly at a variety of duties including baking communion wafers, laundering habits and caring for chickens.

Discerning God's call with her bishop, Joann left the monastery in 1963. She began working for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C., where she met Monsignor Francis T. Hurley. Thus began a 52-year professional and spiritual relationship. In 1971, Joann accepted the position as secretary to Bishop Frances T. Hurley in Juneau, Alaska. Five years later, when he was named the Archbishop of Anchorage, he invited her to continue working as his assistant.

Joann's work with the Archdiocese of Anchorage was her true vocation. Joann was known for her dedication, organizational skills, good humor and her warm, welcoming nature. Joann fondly recalled a highlight of her life's work was the time she spent working with the Anchorage community to prepare for the historic visit of Pope Saint John Paul II in 1981. In light of her dedicated service, the Pope awarded her the highest papal medal for lay people, the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1988.

Joann served as an active member of then Holy Family Cathedral parish for 25 years. Following the death of Archbishop Hurley in 2016, Joann retired. She continued to serve the church as an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral in Anchorage. Attending daily Mass was always a priority for Joann, and she was often accompanied by friends who shared her commitment to the faith.

Joann's deep abiding friendships were a great source of joy throughout her life. She remained close with the Poor Clare Sisters, many colleagues from Washington, D.C., and numerous friends she made throughout her years in Juneau and Anchorage. Joann maintained her long-distance relationships through annual trips to Majorca and many other memorable travels.

Joann will be remembered for her commitment to the Church. She was a woman of kindness, humility and gracious elegance. She touched the lives of all who knew her.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Clare House, an emergency shelter in Anchorage for mothers with children. There is a Donate button on the Catholic Social Services website, www.cssalaska.org. Clare House is found under Select a Fund on the Donate page.

Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Anchorage. A rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., will preside.