Betty Epps

Alaska lost another pioneering spirit this last winter. Betty Gene Epps had a remarkable life as a wife and mother, homemaker, truck driver, animal lover, fur hat maker, gardener, and friend. She was born in Powell Butte, Oregon on November 24th, 1932, and passed on March 25th, 2024.

Betty was raised on her parent’s ranch, and she enjoyed her younger years around cattle, horses, and other livestock, giving her a lifelong love of animals, especially horses. Betty's family lived close to the Epps family, and she married her sweetheart, Vernon Epps on May 24th, 1954. In the true spirit of adventure, they moved to Alaska a few years later. Vern and Betty started their own trucking business and hauled concrete block and gravel during the pipeline years. They also sold Arctic Cat snow machines from their shop on O'Malley Road. A move to Trapper Lake brought new adventures over the years; a windmill, battery banks and later solar panels to generate their own electricity, hunting and fishing, and a trapline. Betty and Vern were very smart, inventive and industrious. They owned several properties and cabins, as well as their main home on the lake. Betty grew a large garden, with vegetables and flowers that were the envy of anyone who saw her work. After 50+ years at their beloved Trapper Lake home, it was time 'to move back to town, where they were cared for in their last years at Primrose retirement home. Betty was known for her great sense of humor and witty sayings. Betty is survived by her two grandchildren: Jamie Epps and Curtis John Epps. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Vern, her two sons, Stephen John Epps and Mark Lynn Epps, and a grandson, Phillip Epps. A celebration of life will be held for friends and family on August 31st at 1:30-4:30, 3180 N. Seagull Street, Palmer, AK. Please RSVP at kitwjones@gmail.com or garnerak@gmail.com.