Becki LeAnn (Plate) Soulak

Becki LeAnn (Plate) Soulak, 42, died at her home in Wasilla on Sept. 29, 2008. She was born Jan. 8, 1966 in Minnesota, and moved to Alaska with her family in 1973.

Soulak attended Willow Elementary School and graduated from Wasilla High School in 1983. After high school she attended and graduated from Victoria Beauty Academy in Wasilla, working in various beauty salons in the area.

Shewas a gifted pianist and frequently played for weddings, funerals and special occasions. She recently played piano part-time at the First Baptist Church of Wasilla.

“Becki’s special musical talent has been a blessing for many friends and family since she was very young,” her family wrote. She also enjoyed playing and coaching in local sporting events with her husband and children.

She met John Soulak on a fish processing boat in 1991 working out of Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea; they married in Wasilla on Aug. 1, 1992.

Soulak is survived by her husband, John, daughter Darla Christine, 13, son JaKobe Dale, 10, and parents Bill and Deanie Plate of Wasilla; brothers Dale Plate (Barbara), Ron Plate (Winnie) and Ric Plate (Jean) from Soldotna; and sister Vicki (Calvin) Aultman of Grand Rapids, Minn.; nine nieces, eight nephews, 11 great nieces, 11 great nephews and three great-great nephews, aunts Nita Eckstrom and Beverly Eckstrom, both from Minnesota, and uncle Bernard DeHart from Montana, and many cousins and numerous friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Ted and Ellen Staib, maternal grandparents Lloyd and Violet DeHart and niece Kari Ann Murray.

“Becki is now in heaven with her Lord Jesus, awaiting the arrival of her family who have also given their lives to their Savior,” her family added.

A funeral service was held Oct. 4 at the First Baptist Church of Wasilla, followed by a graveside service at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery and a potluck dinner at the church.

Valley Funeral Homes of Palmer & Wasilla assisted the family.