Wasilla resident Carolyn Sue Tyrrell, 68 passed away July 4 in a vehicle accident at Mile 92 of the Steese Highway in Fairbanks. A memorial service will be Saturday at 4 p.m., at the American Legion Post 35 in Wasilla. Ms. Tyrrell was born Feb. 17, 1941 in Miami, Okla., to M.L. (Boe) and Bulah Parnell. She was the youngest of three children. She graduated from South Eugene High School Class of 1959 in Eugene, Ore. She came to Alaska with her life partner in March of 1986. They fell in love with Alaska and traveled the state fishing, camping, sightseeing and in the later years catching gold fever.

They had purchased a gold claim on the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks and enjoyed much time in the area. Carolyn loved her birds, gardening and playing Bingo. She was an active member of the American Legion Post 35 Auxiliary in Wasilla and was also a registered tribal member of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. 

Carolyn was an outgoing person who enjoyed the company of many friends and family which she will be missed by greatly.  She is survived by her two sons, Terry L. Tyrrell of Big Lake; and William R. Tyrrell of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and a daughter, Deborah K. Tyrrell of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; four grandchildren; five nephews; two nieces; and many cousins all throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.  Arrangements were under the care of Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.