Betty W. Pearson

Betty W. Pearson

Betty Pearson

1925-2021

Betty W. (Leis) Pearson passed away the evening of Labor Day, September 6, 2021, in Wasilla, Alaska. She was 96 years old, and had lived a full life, full of family, travel, reading, and volunteer service.

Born February 1, 1925, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Jacob H. and Amalia Leis, she spent her early years in southern Idaho. In 1950, she married Alfred B. Pearson, Jr., an Air Force officer. In the next decade, they lived overseas where her first two children were born, Bill in Taiwan and Mike in Iran and after returning Stateside, two younger children, Greg and Janet, were born in New Jersey. In 1961, Betty and Alfred moved their family to the Fairbanks area, so Alfred could work at Clear AFB. Alfred passed away in 1978.

Betty lived with her family in the Anderson and Fairbanks areas for over 50 years. She travelled a lot during her time as a widow, with sisters and children, worked for Play-n-Learn in Fairbanks, gardened, read, and did volunteer work for a few charities in Fairbanks. An avid reader, she was a self-taught expert on literature about women living in the frontiers of Alaska and Canada, and a collector of books on this subject.

In 2012, she moved to the Palmer area to be closer to Bill and Janet and their families. She maintained an independent life in her own apartment, until long-term illness finally required she have nursing home care for the last few weeks of her life. She passed away peacefully; ready to go home to her Lord.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; her husband Alfred, and her son, Michael Pearson (2007). She is survived by her other three children, Bill (Kathy) of Anchorage, Greg (Denise) of Washington State, and Janet (Kelly) Blalock of Palmer, Alaska. She has 5 grandchildren (Cody, Abby, Emily, McKenzie and Marshell Pearson), and 6 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by 8 siblings.

Per her request, there will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, get a library card, and patronize and support your local library.