ANCHOR POINT

Leslie Lancaster, 48 Morgan Lyttaker, 6

Anchor Point residents Leslie Lancaster, 48, and her daughter, Morgan Lyttaker, 6, died Dec. 2, 2006, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Mile 88 of the Seward Highway.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Monday in the auditorium at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

They were residents of Anchor Point and previous residents of Anchorage.

Leslie Lancaster was born April 2, 1958, in Washington and had lived in Alaska for more than 20 years. She was a social worker with South Peninsula Behavioral Services and had earlier worked as a volunteer coordinator with Providence Hospital in Anchorage and in advertising for the Anchorage Times. She was also an eagle and snowy owl presenter with the Bird Treatment and Learning Center and had previously served on the board of directors as president.

"Leslie was a devoted mother and tireless advocate for children with special needs and difficult lives," friends wrote. "All who knew Leslie were deeply touched by her quiet, gentle nature and her generous heart. She made a difference in every community where she lived."

She was also the first woman eagle handler in Alaska.

Morgan was born Dec. 3, 1999, in Anchorage.

Friends wrote: "Morgan was a happy child with a friendly disposition and an open heart. She demonstrated the same compassionate nature as her mother and took care of the other children in her class. She was known as the 'mother' of her close-knit class. Morgan loved to dress up in purple and pink but was also a true Alaska girl, helping to chop firewood, shovel snow and hike in the woods.

"Leslie and Morgan were real animal lovers. Their home was always filled with dogs, cats, horses, birds, noise and love."

They are survived by their father and grandfather, Lewis Lancaster of Tucson, Ariz.; sisters and aunts, April Mobley of Seattle and Keri Lancaster of Tucson; brother and uncle, Curtis Lancaster of Long Beach, Calif.; and cousin, Kevin Duncan of Seattle.

Morgan is also survived by her father, Paul Lyttaker of Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in their memory be made to the Bird Treatment and Learning Center, 6132 Nielson Way, Anchorage 99518.

PALMER

Carol Verrall, 67

Carol Ann Verrall, 67, died Dec. 6, 2006, at her home in Palmer, surrounded by her mother and children.

A celebration of life will be at 7 p.m. Monday at American Legion Post 15, located off Outer Springer Loop in Palmer. A potluck dinner will be held after the celebration.

Mrs. Verrall was born Jan. 31, 1939, to Joseph and Blanche Jahn in Pueblo, Colo. She attended school there and graduated from Pueblo Catholic High in 1957. She married Louis Hinds and they had six children.

In 1965, they traveled the Alaska Highway in a Rambler station wagon with four of their children, arriving in Anchorage on a cold January day. Since that time, Mrs. Verrall made Alaska her home.

She spent most of the early years in Alaska raising her children in Anchorage. Later she moved to the Valley and, with her second husband, Gail Bodner, ran roadside lodges, worked Alaska fairs and led a true Alaska lifestyle.

She then moved to Palmer and worked for MTA until her retirement in 1999. In Palmer, she met and married Bert Verrall and they shared a wonderful life together until his death in November 2005.

Family wrote: "Carol loved many things including cooking, gardening, and music, but most of all she loved her family and friends. Her home was always filled with warmth and love. Her family and friends will remember her beautiful smile and happy outlook on life."

She was preceded in death by her son, Louis "Marty" Hinds Jr.; brother, William "Bill" Jahn; sister, Mary Zaremba; and husbands, Gail Bodner and Bert Verrall.

She is survived by her mother, Blanche Jahn; brother, Joseph Jahn; children and their spouses, Lou Ann Hinds, Bert and Tracy Verrall, Andrea Manges, Ron and Ronette Verrall, Mary and Rick Podobnik, Maureen and Jim Bennett, and Joe and JoAnn Hinds; grandchildren, Armagan, Carol, Fred, Valerie, Shani, Laura, Sherri, Dennis, Jamie, Alene, Kevan, Amber, Chad, Mary-Kate, Kyle, Dominque and Briana; great-grandchildren, Netenal, Natali, Kyla, Avarehem, Belle, Jayden and Jeice; and many friends and other family members in Alaska and throughout the United States.

WASILLA

Richard H. DuBois, 70

Richard H. duBois, 70, died peacefully Dec. 4, 2006, at his home in Wasilla, with his wife and sons at his side.

Family wrote that he fought "a courageous battle with cancer."

A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at First Presbyterian Church in Wasilla.

Mr. duBois was born June 8, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to Dorothy and Harold duBois. He graduated from Ohio State University with a business degree. Employed by Goodyear, he worked in Italy, and returned to Oxford, Ohio, to complete a master's degree in education at Miami University.

He taught in Liberty, Ind., then taught eight years in the International Teaching Fellowship program. In the Taipei American School in Taiwan, he taught high school business. In Iran, he taught second grade at the American School of Isfahan. His passion for teaching and adventure led him to Alaska in 1979 and he taught in the Mat-Su School District for 20 years.

"In 1982, Richard did a one-year teacher exchange to Australia serving as a special education consultant in Melbourne," family wrote. "While there, he met and married his wife, Sally, and returned to Alaska to raise their family. Richard taught special education at the elementary and high school levels, the summer high school work-study program and the three-year-old preschool program.

"He modeled honesty and hard work and advocated for children's safety and learning. An avid sports fan, Richard watched many sporting events, including his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes football team."

Mr. duBois was a lifelong member of Sigma Chi fraternity and the National Huguenot Society, and was a member of the Palmer Elks Lodge. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sally Newsome.

He is survived by his wife, Sally; their sons, Trevor and Dustin; cousins, Jerry Evans and Tom Evans and their families; and sisters-in-law, Nancy Richards and Bonnie Benish and family.

Memorial donations may be made to The Children's Place, P.O. Box 871788, Wasilla 99687, or to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel.

FORMER RESIDENT

Chester Johnson Sr., 75

Chester Bob Johnson Sr., 75, died Dec. 6, 2006, at Valley Vista Care Center in Sandpoint, Idaho.

He was born Nov. 29, 1931, to Chester and Lula Johnson in Fort Worth, Texas.

Raised in the Fort Worth area, he married Betty Deaton and they had four children. He served as an engineer in the U.S. Army and worked for Lockheed Corp. in Sunnyvale, Calif.

He moved to Anchorage in 1964 after the big earthquake. He worked as a tunnel watchman for the Alaska Railroad around Portage and Anchorage.

After sustaining a debilitating injury while working for the railroad, Mr. Johnson homesteaded five acres and worked a mining claim at Milepost 49 of the Richardson Highway near Valdez. There, in 1968, he and his son Chester "Johnny" Jr. built the little cabin that would be his home for 30 years.

Family wrote: "Chester loved Alaska and the Alaska lifestyle, and he enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with tales of his adventures in the wild or, as he used to put it, 'bragging and telling lies.'

"In addition to being a homesteader, Chester was a trapper and freelance photographer, ran his own sawmill, and spent many hours speaking with truck drivers hauling pipe from Valdez to the oil fields on the North Slope via his CB base station. He received a government grant for designing a hydroelectric system for use at the cabin.

"Chester's seven-year illness did not diminish his sense of humor, and it never broke his spirit, which was evident right up to the very end. His quick wit and sense of humor will be remembered by all who had the pleasure to love and know him."

He is survived by his children, Chester Johnson Jr. of Terry, Miss., Janie Chambers of Fremont, Calif., LaWatha Wisehart of Colville, Wash., and Sterling Johnson of Castroville, Texas; sisters and brother, Bettye Downs, Twylla Land, Tawana Gideon and Houston Johnson, all of Texas; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; uncle, Leary "Larry" Johnson of California; and numerous cousins.

ANCHORAGE

Margaret Drum, 74

Margaret Mae Drum, 74, died Nov. 26, 2006, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

Mrs. Drum was born Jan. 2, 1932, in Ashtabula, Ohio. She moved to Fairbanks in 1966 and lived there until 1985, when she moved to Anchorage. She lived in Anchorage until 2000, moved to Port Bolivar, Texas, then returned to Anchorage in 2005. She was a homemaker.

She attended the United Methodist Church and enjoyed sewing, reading, crafts and jewelry making.

Her daughter Rose wrote: "Biological mother of eight, she was a mom to many more. She taught me that being a good and loving mother is the most important thing I do in my life. I will miss my mentor."

Her daughter Rebecca wrote: "Army wife, mother and grandmother, Margaret was always calm. A kind, loving and patient woman, her bright eyes and beautiful smile will be missed ..."

Her son Robert wrote: "... She was a storehouse of vast and amazing knowledge. I could ask her anything and she always knew the answer ..."

Her son James said: "When thinking of Ma, I only have fond and happy memories."

Her daughter Wilma said: "With the mother's love of her children, my mother would go without things that she needed for her own self, time after time ..."

Her son Kenneth said: "She was a loving mother to everyone who needed a safe place to sleep and a good meal. Being an Army wife, she had a soft spot for her Army boys and was a second mother to many of them. ... A talented cook, her holiday meals were legendary."

Daughter-in-law Crystal Drum said: "I couldn't have asked for a better mother-in-law; she was caring and accepting immediately. ... She was a beautiful person and it was my pleasure and joy to know her ..."

She is survived by her daughters, Rose Baize, Wilma Mailander and Rebecca Klippenstein; sons, James Drum, Donald Drum, Walter Drum, Kenneth Drum and Robert Drum; sisters, Gale Hodgkinson and Joyce Bogar; brothers, Walter, Pat, Roy, Dale and Tim Hodgkinson; and eight grandchildren.

Inurnment will be at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with her husband, Donald Drum.

Arrangements are with Witzleben Family Funeral Home.

ANCHORAGE

Hilaria Phares, 65

Anchorage resident Hilaria Phares, 65, died Oct. 24, 2006, at home of natural causes.

Mrs. Phares was born Jan. 15, 1941, in Alakanuk to Harry and Dorothy Stanislaus. She was a homemaker who enjoyed knitting, sewing and picking berries.

She is survived by her sisters, Rita Joseph of Anchorage and Alma Hansen of Alakanuk; brothers, Bernard of Anchorage, Emanuel of Alakanuk, and, at the time of her death, Paul, who has since died.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Phares.

Burial will take place in Alakanuk.

ANCHORAGE

Do Soon Kim, 86

Anchorage resident Do Soon Kim, 86, died Dec. 5, 2006, of a stroke at Alaska Regional Hospital.

Her family wrote, "Do Soon Kim passed away peacefully ... in the company of family and loved ones."

A service was Friday at Kehl's Forest Lawn Chapel.

Mrs. Kim was born Sept. 29, 1920, in Korea. She became a resident of Anchorage in 1973. She attended the Korean Open Door Presbyterian Church.

"She is remembered as a gentle, God-fearing mother and grandmother," her family wrote. "Her life was filled with decades of history and amazing stories. She lived a simple life and shared everything she had with family and friends. Grandma loved to spend time talking with friends and family. She will be missed by all who knew her."

She is survived by her daughter, Tina Wiles; sons, Yong Sam Yim, Yong Ho Yim, Yong Kol Yim and Young In Yim; stepdaughter, Seung Mi Guzman; stepson, Seung Kwon Yim; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to 8130 Cox Drive, Anchorage 99516.

Burial will be at Angelus Memorial Park in the spring.

Arrangements are with Kehl's Forest Lawn Mortuary & Crematory.

ANCHORAGE

Margaret McCullough, 70

Wasilla resident Margaret Jean "Maggie" McCullough, 70, died Dec. 5, 2006, at the home of her daughter in Wasilla.

At her request, no service will be held.

Ms. McCullough was born Dec. 26, 1935, in Vancouver, Wash. She was a 1953 graduate of Del Norte High School in Crescent City, Calif. She lived in Crescent City until July 2006, when she moved to Alaska to be with her daughter in the last stages of her illness.

She worked as a legal secretary for attorneys in both Humboldt and Del Norte counties prior to her 20 years of service with the County of Del Norte.

Family wrote: "Maggie loved to travel, loved riding horses in her younger years, but most of all she loved her cats."

She is survived by her daughters, Debby Allen of Wasilla and Kim Duncan of Eureka, Calif.; granddaughters, Wendy Ingram, Patricia Soellers, Heather Ingram and Courtney Duncan; and six great-grandchildren.

Her ashes will be scattered by her daughter in Alaska.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home.

FORMER RESIDENT

Dana Spencer, 34

Former Alaska resident Dana Michelle Spencer, 34, of New Mexico died of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident Nov. 29, 2006, while visiting Texas.

A private service was held.

Born Jan. 16, 1972, in Los Angeles, she lived in Alaska from the late '70s until 2001. She resided in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Kodiak.

"She will be greatly missed," her family said.

Ms. Spencer is survived by her mother, Maria of New Mexico; father and stepmother, Leslie and Brenda Spencer of Fairbanks; brothers, Steven and Paul; sisters, Allison, Denise and Katherine; stepsisters, Paula, Dawn and Jamie; life companion, Dusty; and other relatives including her grandfather and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements were by Direct Funeral Services in Albuquerque, N.M.

ANCHORAGE

Marjorie Johnson, 89

Anchorage resident Marjorie Olga Johnson, 89, died Nov. 25, 2006, at her assisted-living home of natural causes.

Private family services have been conducted. Cremation was at Witzleben Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mrs. Johnson was born Oct. 21, 1917, in Casper, Wyo., to Clarence and Olga (Kaestner) Spicer.

She graduated from Natrona County High School in Casper in 1935. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Wyoming, and taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Riverton, Wyo., for three years.

She and Lawrence Johnson, a U.S. Marine, married in 1946. They lived in San Francisco, where she was a commodity specialist with the Department of the Army at the Presidio of San Francisco. She retired after 46 years at the age of 71.

She moved to Alaska in 2004 to live with her niece.

Her family wrote: "Marjorie loved life and hated goodbyes. ... She will be deeply missed and eternally loved for her tender heart and loyal spirit."

Mrs. Johnson is survived by her nieces, Karen Keller of Colorado, Cynthia Marquez of Texas and Janet Snyder of Anchorage; nephews, Lee, Larry and Dean Spicer, all of Anchorage; and sister-in-law, Lillian Spicer of Anchorage.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; sister, Virginia Deaton; and brother, Leslie Spicer.

Donations may be made to the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 230510, Anchorage 99523-9988.

ANCHORAGE

Dennis Caasi, 48

Dennis Caasi, 48, died Dec. 3, 2006, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

A service will be held in Guam.

Mr. Caasi was born Oct. 3, 1958, in Oka Tamuning, Guam. He served in the U.S. Marines and in the Air Guard Reserve.

Mr. Caasi worked as a high-voltage electrician in Piti, Guam, until March 2000, when he moved to Alaska. He went to work for the Deca Store in Kodiak until this year, then moved to Anchorage to work at the Deca Store as lead worker.

Mr. Caasi enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking and gardening.

His family wrote: " 'Daddy,' 'Dad' or Dennis's cooking filled our tummies with everlasting joy. Besides his favorite pastime he filled his family's hearts with love that will last forever."

He is survived by his wife, Deding Caasi; sons, Dennis Caasi II and Joey Aguon; daughters, Denisha Caasi, Marla Babauta, Denise Leon Guerrero and Mana Guerrero; grandsons, Gerard Aguon, Jay Aguon IV, Christian Aguon, Jordan and Jerald Martinez and Jerimiah Leon Guerrero; and granddaughters, Kailiana and Jercila Martinez, Katelyn Aguon and Hannah Leon Guerrero.

Memorial donations may be made to Deding Caasi, P.O. Box 7338, Agat, Guam 96928.

Local arrangements are with Witzleben Family Funeral Home.

ALASKA SERVICES

TODAY

Alan Butts of Palmer: 3 p.m., Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Blunck Road.

Barbara Hales of Anchorage: 1 p.m., Holy Cross Parish.

Clyde Hornal of Wasilla: 2 p.m., Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel.

Ken Osuna of Girdwood: 4 p.m., Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.

Clinton Strachan of Anchorage: 2 p.m., Anna Rea's Bar.

SUNDAY

George Hohman Jr.: celebration of life, 5:30 p.m., Kincaid Outdoor Center.

FRIDAY

Ken Westland of Big Lake: 4-8 p.m., Hangar Lounge.

DEC. 16

Michelle Degnan of Anchorage: 1 p.m., ChangePoint Church, 6689 Seafood Drive.

DEC. 28

Karleen Mason of Anchorage: 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church.