Lifelong Alaskan and Wasilla resident Katherine June Hale, 53, died Sept. 16, 2008 at home from cancer. A private family memorial is planned.

Hale was born Feb. 28, 1955, in Anchorage. Her lifetime was spent in Alaska. She worked for ARCO-Conoco Phillips for more than 20 years. Her hobbies and special interests were fishing, home design, painting, woodwork, photography, outdoor activities with family, and animals.

Her family said: “Katherine was a lifelong Alaskan, loving mother and a close friend to many. Katherine’s family will remember forever her kind heart, love of music and devotion of family and friends. She was always there to help, lend a hand or offer a shoulder to cry on to anyone who needed comfort.” Survivors are sons Harvey Tumbleson of Portland, Ore., and Brent and Terry Tumbleson of Anchorage; mother Ida Mae Greene of Willow; brothers Bobby and James Hale of Wasilla; sister Dale Hyder of Willow; and significant other Ken Nelson of Wasilla.

 Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory.