August 4, 2006

HAROLD PAUL JOHNSON

Harold Paul Johnson, 78, died Aug. 1, 2006, at his home in Knik. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2006, at Sunny Knik Chapel. The Rev. Duane Guisinger will officiate.

He was born Aug. 22, 1927, in Flushing, Mich. He served in World War II and Korea. He moved to Knik on June 21, 1968.

He was a dairy farmer until 1968 in Michigan. He then worked a variety of jobs after moving to Alaska, including water well driller, welder and maintenance. He retired due to a progression of injuries in Korea, which led to his being declared a 100 percent disabled veteran in 1972.

He was affiliated with Sunny Knik Chapel. He earned two awards for the greatest increase in milk production in 1961 and 1962. One of his hobbies was gardening.

His family stated, &#8220Born on a farm in Central Michigan, Harold Johnson (”Harry” to his friends) was the youngest of five children. He was drafted into the Army at the end of World War II, and served at Fort Knox. He met his future wife, Mary Ingraham, on a blind date. While on their honeymoon, he was drafted a second time and served in Korea, where he was wounded. Harry and Mary bought a dairy farm near Six Lakes, Mich., and had four children. In 1968, they packed up the family in an International crew cab pickup truck and pulled a 28-foot trailer up the Alcan, arriving in Alaska on June 21. They soon met lifelong friends, Joe and Vi Redington and Carolyn (Kennedy) Crusey, who persuaded them to settle in Knik. Harry went to work for Joe drilling water wells, the first of many adventures the two shared. Harry and Mary opened their hearts and home to many over the years, offering whatever they had to anyone in need of a meal or a place to stay. Harry taught people to weld, how to shoot down a Christmas tree, and how to garden. He was particularly proud of his lilac trees and fond of the sun on his face as he gazed out over the homestead.”

He is survived by his daughter, Joan Hope of Knik; son, Thomas Johnson of Big Lake; son and daughter-in-law, David and Sally Johnson of Knik; son and daughter-in-law, William and Teri Johnson of Knik; brother, Harvey Johnson of Flushing; grandchildren, Shiloh Lovley, Abbey Johnson, Mandy Hope, Eli Johnson and Griffin Johnson, all of Knik; and great-grandchild Landon Lovley of Knik.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Johnson, in 2000; his sister, Lillian; and brothers, Bob and George.

Memorial donations can be made to Sunny Knik Chapel Building Fund. His ashes will be scattered at his family home.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.

BONNIE LOUISE RUNNELS

Bonnie Louise Runnels, 72, passed away July 30, 2006, in Stillwater, Okla.

She was born April 26, 1934, in Cushing, Okla., She moved to Anchorage in December of 1967, then moved to Cushing in 1972.

Her mother was Annabell Ogle and her father was Mack Lee Runnels. She had three siblings, Maxine Hurst, William L. Runnels and Doyle L. Runnels.

She married Garland Lee Shannon on March 4, 1952, in Yuma, Ariz. He passed away in October 1990. Bonnie had worked as a certified nursing assistant prior to her retirement, and she really enjoyed working in the health field, knowing that she was always taking care of the sick. She was very kind hearted and will be missed by all that knew her.

She had four daughters. Her oldest was Judy A. Shannon of Wasilla, who passed away July 15, 2005. Judy Shannon's life partner was Al Weaver, and she had twins who passed at birth. Judy Shannon's daughters are Christina Olsen, whose children are Andrew and Dakota; Audrey Norbo, whose children are Wade and Tyler; and Lilly Shannon.

Bonnie's second daughter is Mary L. Shannon of Vancouver, Wash. Mary Shannon's children are daughter, Shannon Lewis, whose daughter is Kendra; and son, Chris Lewis.

Bonnie's third daughter is Gina L. Knight of Anchorage, who has a son, Keith; and three daughters, Joanna, Julie and Kayla. Gina's son Terry passed away in April 1995.

Bonnie's youngest daughter is Ginny L. Hale of Palmer, who has a son, Joe; daughter, Darla; and granddaughter, Alexis.

Bonnie had 14 grandchildren, three of whom are with God and with her. She had six great-grandchildren.

Her family writes, &#8220My mom was a kind spirit and gave what love she could! Always know you are thought of often and loved so very much.”

A memorial service was Thursday, Aug. 3, 2006, at

the Grace Living Center in

Stillwater.

You may share your condolences with the Runnels family at www.davisfh.net.

Arrangements were with Davis funeral home of Cushing.

ROBERT ‘SAGE' WHITTUM

Robert &#8220Sage” Charles Whittum died Thursday, July 27, 2006, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, from complications of brain surgery for an aneurysm. He and his wife, Jan, recently moved from Alaska to Idaho to fulfill their dreams.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, of Middleton, Idaho; daughters, Ayla Whittum and Kris Armknecht of Alaska; sons, Hank Crowder of Kansas, Joe Armknecht and Larry Leva; grandson, Allan Whittum of Alaska; mother, Emily Whittum; sister, Nancy Gove and her husband John, son Andrew of Massachusetts and daughters Haley and Leah of Maine; brother, Raymond Whittum and his sons Dylan and Anthony of Alaska; James Werner; and sister-in-law Meridee Mears of Colorado; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Whittum of New Hampshire.

He was born May 13, 1956, and worked his lifetime as an oilfield operator throughout the United States. Sage loved to fish, ride his Harley and spend time with family and friends. He will be remembered as a great husband, father, son, brother and friend to all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to South Shore Hospital, Critical Care Unit, 55 Fogg Road, South Weymouth, MA 02190-2432.

SUE (SUSAN) HILL

Sue (Susan) Hill, 95, died Aug. 2, 2006, at her sister's home in Palmer due to natural causes. No services will be held.

She was born Nov. 3, 1910, in Fetch, Mich. She moved to Palmer, up at Hatcher Pass, in 1940.

She was employed by the Alaska Railroad and Rx Drug.

Her family stated, &#8220She will be missed. She was a very caring, loving and giving person that lived a long and happy life.”

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Delbert and Ethel Anderson and their family of Palmer; and sister-in-law, Elsie Hill and family of Palmer. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lloyd Hill.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory, Palmer.