Betty Jean Pena

Betty Jean Pena, 69, entered the gates of heaven late Sunday, June 15, 2008, passing by natural causes in her own home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tim Thompson, Joe Wilson, Kenny Baker and Shane Johnson.

Pena was born to Leroy Pena and Edith Edwina Walters on Sept. 12, 1938, in Robstown, Texas.

Pena was a true Alaska Pioneer. She brought her family from Missouri to Alaska in 1965 to work construction, and shortly later assisting in the construction of the Alaska Pipeline and starting the pilot car service “Gitana Piloting.”

She was an avid lobbyist, artist and writer. She was constant in the education of arts, and sharing it in the schools all over Alaska. Pena was one of the first Alaskan Go-Go dancers to strut her stuff in Anchorage, as well as on the runway, placing second in the Mrs. USA Pageant in the 1980s.

Pena was of Mormon religion, but actively supported all faiths.

Pena is survived by brother William Pena; her former husband Edward Wooley Sr.; daughter Tammy Brown and son-in-law Tim of Anchorage; son Robert Brown, of Anchorage; daughter Tina Wilson and husband, James Brown, of Oregon; son Edward Wooley Jr. of Wasilla; grandchildren Dana Rood, Jason Brown, Kristie Lyman, Dusty Duke, Tina Sitbon, Stephanie Duke, Eric Alayoubi, April, Amber and Gina Brown, Marcie and Monica Brown and Jamie Wooley; many great grandchildren; friend and caregiver Tyree and her husband, Russell.

She was preceeded in death by her parents; son Ricky Brown; former husband and father of five of her children, LeRoy Brown of Missouri; and infant grandson David Brown.

“Betty was such a beautiful person inside and out,” her family wrote. “She traveled around the United States, met people, and inspired artists everywhere with her free spirits and enthusiastic personality; her love and compassion will be extremely missed. We love you! Go get ‘em!”

Memorial donations can be sent to Betty Pena Memorial, P.O. Box 872164, Wasilla, AK, 99687.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer.