Betty Marie Petersen

Wasilla resident Betty Marie Petersen, 58, died from cancer at home on Jan. 23, 2012, with her loving family at her side.

Funeral services in her honor are at 11 a.m., Jan. 28 at Valley Funeral Chapel, 151 E. Herning Ave., Wasilla. Betty will be buried at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery following the service. Pastor Gary Oathout will officiate.

Betty was born March 21, 1953, in Fort Smith, Ark., to Lyle and Freda (McMahan) Tinker.

Betty was a lifelong Alaskan, living in Fairbanks and Anchorage before residing in Wasilla. Betty worked for several banks in Alaska, but worked for and retired from Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union after 16 years.

The family wrote, "Betty was a very fun-loving person who loved the outdoors and especially her flower garden. She was always up for a camping trip, enjoyed fishing, hunting and even shot her own caribou. She bowled in several leagues over the years in Anchorage and the Valley. There wasn't an art or craft that Betty didn't enjoy or at least try. She was especially fond of beading and decorated everything she owned with stickers or decals. She had an extensive collection of crystals, Tinker Bell ornaments and wind chimes - all on display at her house. Betty loved being a grandma and showered the kids with gifts on Christmas and birthdays. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her."

Preceding her in death was her son, Bobby Petersen; and her parents, Lyle Wandell Tinker and Freda Fern (McMahan) Tinker.

Surviving are her loving husband, Bob Petersen; son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Janice Petersen and their children, Presley Petersen and Trey Petersen; granddaughter, Payton Petersen; sisters, Wanda Garber, Judy Kerman, Beverly Henderson and Wendy Newsom; sisters-in-law, Clara Wheaton and Kathy Maloney; cousins, Tony and Julie Reimann; daughters, Michelle and Melissa; cousins, Frank and Karen Reimann; sons, Bradley and Michael; and cousin, Patty Reimann and children.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory cared for the family.