Alaska resident Miriam Sumner, 60, past away May 5 at Alaska Regional Hospital of bleeding complications.

A celebration of life will be held at the Palmer Church of the Nazarene on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by a burial service at the Palmer Cemetery.

Miriam was born March 27, 1949 to Russell and Agnes Walborn in Valentine, Neb.  Miriam moved to Alaska in 1968, where she began her legacy. She raised a beautiful family of four children, two of which have started families of their own, giving Miriam three grandchildren, the greatest gift she could ask for.

Whether camping on the Kenai Peninsula, fishing off the banks of the Sheep Creek, or hunting caribou in Eureka, Miriam loved everything about Alaska. She had just returned from a two-week cruise to Hawaii, another favorite place, with her daughters and grandchildren, providing memories that will be shared among family and friends for years to come. 

Miriam believed in chasing dreams and accomplishing goals, and she encouraged everyone she knew to do the same. As a goal of her own, at the age of 58 she received her Summa Cum Laude bachelor’s degree online from Colorado Technical University in Criminal Justice. 

Miriam’s life touched many people throughout her time in Alaska. As a former foster parent and a loved and respected employee with the Office of Children’s Services, Miriam offered love, compassion, and a caring nature not only to her closest family and friends, but to everyone she encountered.

Everyone that interacted with Miriam felt blessed with a ray of light that could not be duplicated. She will be missed by many: her family and friends, the members of her church, and her co-workers and clients.

Miriam is survived by her sons Kevin and Levi, daughters Shelley and Krista, and grandchildren Ashton, Axel and Victoria.

Flowers and donations are asked to be sent to the Palmer Church of the Nazarene at 1951 N. Hemmer Rd. in Palmer

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla.