Cheri’ Lou Trask

Longtime Alaska and Willow resident Cheri’ Lou Trask, 68, passed away while surrounded by her family on Sept. 22, 2015. The family expressed we have lost a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but the heavens have received a very special angel.

Her sister Jeri wrote: “My best friend, protector, phone buddy and all around best sister in the world. We grew up always being there for each other, and I knew no matter what my problem was she would tell me to hang in there, it would get better. When things got really hard she would tell me to ‘Chill out, Sis … not worth your time or stress.’ The last time I talked to her she said ‘Chill out, I am fine. I love you!’ Such precious memories I have of her that will always be in my heart. Loving you always my dear ITTY. Jerbie...xoxoxoxoxo.”

Her brother Bryan wrote: “Sis, we have been through a lot over the years, but we did it together. We were always there for each other, and even though you have gone to be with mom, dad and Jim, I am, and always will still be here for you, just as I know you will be for me. I miss you more then you know, and I love you dearly. You will be close to my heart, and with me always. Your big brother, Bo.”

Her daughter Kim wrote: “Mom, you left so suddenly, and I was not ready for it. We had so much more we had planned to do, but I know God had a bigger plan for you. We have been through so much together, and you have always been my rock, my strength, and my biggest supporter. I will miss just being able to pick up the phone and call you, no matter what time of the day or night just to talk or visit. I will miss our crazy middle of the night trips to Willow for last-minute alterations, and joking about how Kierstyn, Josh and Zach would email or call you with elaborate costume ideas because “mam ma” can make anything, and you did every time!! The love you had for your family and friends will remain through the generations, and you will always be with me. I am so proud of you, and I love and miss you dearly.”

Her son Matthew wrote: “My mom was a wonderful mother and friend. She was kind and thoughtful. Her personality was contagious. Her husband, kids, grandkids and family were her life. We will truly miss her!”

Cheri’ was born Oct. 15, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio. She is the daughter of Frank B. Hinton and Phyllis L. Hinton. A dedicated seamstress and master of her craft, Cheri’ was a well-known costumer and expert of all things creative. She was the glue of our family, and the number of lives she has touched is immeasurable and reaches far beyond just the state of Alaska. Her passion for sewing, family and friends is something that cannot be expressed by mere words.

Cheri’ was wed to her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, James F. Trask Jr., in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sept. 18, 1965. Cheri’, along with her husband and family, moved to Alaska in 1982, originally taking up residence in Wasilla. She was the owner of her own business, Creations By Cheri’, and had also worked at the original Mat-Su Resort. In more recent years, Cheri’ spent her time creating costumes for various productions at the Valley Performing Arts. She also helped design and create costumes for the Carpenter brothers’ Moose: The Movie. In addition to the public appearance of many of her costumes, a pattern that she worked on with dear friend Roxanne Benbow was recently picked up by McCall’s Patterns.

Preceding her in death were her loving husband, James F. Trask Jr., and her dear parents, Frank B. Hinton and Phyllis L. Hinton. Cheri’ is survived by her brother, Bryan Hinton, of Wasilla; sister and brother-in-law Jeri and Bill Holland, of Schertz, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Kimberly and Terry Hollibaugh, of Palmer; daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Vernon Clare, of Wasilla; son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Terri Trask, of Wasilla; grandchildren Kierstyn, Joshua and Zachery Hollibaugh, of Palmer; Ty and Paige Clare, of Wasilla, Joseph, Jason, Kaitlyn, Matthew and Jeffrey Trask of Wasilla; nephew Jeffrey, his wife Anita, along with their children Promise and Luke Holland, of Helotes, Texas; nephew William Holland IV and family, of Universal City, Texas; and Randall “Tiny” Kelly, of Palmer, along with countless friends and her beloved Pomeranian, Farrah.

Memorial contributions can be made in Cheri’s memory to Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were under the direction of Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel.