Betty Lou Tilghman

Willow resident Betty Lou Tilghman, 78, died unexpectedly March 20, 2012.

A memorial service in honor of Betty is 2 p.m., March 27 at Church on the Rock, 3571 W. Machen Road, Wasilla. Pastor Scott Ferking will officiate. Betty’s ashes will be scattered at Long Lake in Willow.

Betty was born Feb. 3, 1934, in Plains, Mont., to Arthur and Laura (Evenson) Carpenter.

Betty was an original homesteader and moved to Alaska in 1939. She lived in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Wasilla before settling in Willow. Betty was self-employed in property development. One of her biggest career accomplishments was working with Halliburton and helping with the Trans-Alaska pipeline. Betty was active in her community and was a member of Eastern Star — Rainbow Girls. She enjoyed fishing, crochet, oil painting, crossword puzzles, family gatherings and barbecues.

“Betty was the best listener in the whole world and lived life with no regrets,” her family wrote. “She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is reunited with Bill, the love of her life and wonderful dad.”

Betty’s favorite phrase was “think positive.”

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Tilghman; son, Larry Kuhn; and son, Terry Kuhn.

Surviving are her daughter, Sherri Kuhn-Pershing and family of Willow; son, Gary Kuhn and family of Palmer; and son, Harry Kuhn and family of Wasilla.

Memorial donations may be made to: Betty Tilghman Foundation, Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, Account No. 136256 FB.

Arrangements were cared for by the Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. Please visit the obituary and online guestbook at alaskanfuneral.com.