Betty Reisner

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Betty Jean Reisner passed away at her home on the morning of April 13, 2016, due to natural causes. Born Betty Jean Amick of Nallen, West Virginia, on May 23, 1931, to Virgil and Irene Amick, she had an adventurous childhood growing up with her three sisters and many cousins who lived nearby.

Betty married her sweetheart and U.S. Marine, Joseph Reisner, on October 26, 1945, at the age of 14. They began their married life in Appleton, Wisconsin, until Joe sought work in the Alaskan frontier. Marked by an adventurous spirit, Betty traveled north on her own in April of 1952, to the then Territory of Alaska, to join her husband. Those who met Betty were enamored with her sweet, caring and hospitable spirit. She and Joe lived in Anchorage through 1978 and the home they built together survived the 1964 earthquake. Betty’s home was known as the gathering place for all the neighborhood children and it has been said of her that she was “truly considered a “mom” to every child who knew her”. In 1978 the family moved to Palmer where Betty has resided since. Joe and Betty enjoyed 65 years of marriage together.

Betty was known for her deep love for her family, contagious laughter and delicious cooking. Gardening was one of her favorite pastimes in the spring and summer months. She also had a love for her dogs through the years, each of which held a special place in her heart.

Betty is survived by her sister, Connie Velie, of Crandon, Wisconsin; brothers-in-law, Bob Reisner of Palmer, Alaska, and John Rader of Summersville, West Virginia; daughters, Debra Wells, and her husband Ward, Dawn Weber, Bonnie Lister and Ronda Schenderline, all of Palmer, Alaska; grandchildren, Heather Gerrits and her husband Erin, Crystal Allen and her husband Tedman, Scott Wells, and Chis Lister and his wife Rachael; and four great-grandchildren, Gavin, Rebekah, Kyler and Kaleb. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, and sisters, Alice and Margaret.

A celebration of life will be held at her residence on Sunday April 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Alaska Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.