Jo Ellen Wade Whaley

Jo Ellen Wade Whaley, 57, died Oct. 11, 2008 at her home in Wasilla.

Whaley was born in Madera, Calif., March 30, 1951 to Dick and Alva Wade.

She and her family moved to Alaska in 1957. She attended Chugiak Elementary and graduated in 1969 from Chugiak High School, where she was captain of the cheerleading squad. She married the love of her life, Stephen E. Whaley, on May 23, 1971 and they raised five children and eight grandchildren.

“She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend and parishioner of the church,” her family wrote. “She loved her family and she had a deep faith of the Scriptures and of Heavenly Father. She was very passionate about politics, true testimony of the Gospel, and researching geneology of her family. She loved animals, baking and telling jokes. She cherished above all her family and friends, second only to her faith in God and Jesus.”

Whaley was an associate at Gottschalks retail store for 17 years and loved her job and working with the public. She had a talent for writing and a love of music and community.

“She was loved and will be truly missed more than words can ever describe,” her family added.

She is survived by her mother Alva Baker; husband, Steve Whaley; sons Seth Edward Whaley and fiancé Shana, Luke Austin Whaley and friend Cathy, and Stephen Wade Whaley; daughters Jessica Elizabeth Milwicz and husband, Monte, and Amanda Marie Whaley and fiance Clarence; grandchildren Kelci, Caleb, Dakoda, Peyton, Connor, Gracie, Madison and Caitlin; sister Connie; and nieces Stephanie and Amy and their children.

There will be an official memorial service 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and celebration of life at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 821 E. Dellwood St., Wasilla.