BETTY R. McKEAN

Longtime Valley resident, Betty McKean, 73, passed away June 13, 2003, at Alaska Regional Hospital.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 20, at 4 p.m. at her Wasilla Home.

Ms. McKean was born on May 15, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo. She was a member of the Canadian Women's Air Force during World War II. She worked as an accountant in Anchorage for 30 years and was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Grand Igloo Pioneers of Alaska, Wasilla Area Seniors and Palmer Chapter of Women of the Moose. She was a life-long member of the Democratic Party and was very active in local politics, often showing her support by

allowing signs to be put up at her coveted location on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. She spared no expense in lighting her yard for Christmas and the decorations were enjoyed by many.

A close friend said, "All creatures great and small benefited from Betty's love of animals and dedication to their care. At her Jackass Lane home in Anchorage, she cared for several cats and dogs and founded the Anchorage Pet Cemetery. She retired to Wasilla and considered her home on Cottonwood Creek a wild bird refuge. She fed scores of wild and tame birds over the years and delighted in watching nature in action on the creek. She once rescued an eagle that had been shot. She named him Majestic Boy, and he was rehabilitated and released from her home in 1991. Over the years, her wild pets included a fox, weasels, a black bear cub, a lynx and an orphaned moose, 'Baby.' She is joined in death by her pet pig, 'Philly,' and is survived by her two cats, 'G.K.' and 'Maggie.'

"Betty enjoyed boating, reading, spirited conversations, guns, all manner of sports, and traveling in her motorhome. Although she considered herself more of an animal person than a people person, Betty leaves behind a host of friends in Alaska and throughout the U.S. She was a truly unique individual and her fierce loyalty and quick wit will long be cherished by those lucky enough to call her a friend. One could not ask for a better friend then Betty, and she will be greatly missed."

She was preceded in death by her father, Luther McKean.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Forest Lawn Mortuary.