Retiring teacher, coach urges Colony grads to ‘find their 68’
By Jeremiah Bartz Frontiersman.com A football coach using a hockey reference as the centerpiece for his keynote address may
September 15, 1945 - July 29, 2025
Christine Greig Powell, nee Carothers, a beloved mother, grandmother, and servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully in her home in Palmer, Alaska, on July 29, 2025, at the age of 79.
Born on September 15, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, Christine spent her growing up years in Grosse Pointe Woods, living next door to her life-long best friend, Jan McKee, nee Bamberger.
Christine lived a life rich in love, faith, and service.
She married Robert Greig on November 29, 1963, and together they raised six wonderful children, moving from Ohio to Alaska in 1979. Robert preceded her in death in February 2017. In September 2018, Christine found love again and married Bill Powell, embracing a new chapter in her life.
Christine was a fearless homemaker, seamstress, and baker. She made gorgeous wedding dresses for her daughters and daughter-in-law, knitted intricate clothing and stuffed animals for her grand children, and spent years baking bread daily that she sold by word of mouth. Christine was a passionate advocate for health and well-being. As a master gardener with certifications in biodynamic farming, she believed that soil health was the cornerstone of nutrition. Her dedication to nurturing life extended to her years as a certified Childbirth Educator, where she touched the lives of many families.
Christine pursued her academic interests later in life, graduating Magna Cum Laude with an AA in Medical Assisting from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She joined the Family Health Center in Palmer as a Medical Assistant and later worked in naturopathic care in Eagle River. Her leadership was evident as she served as the President of the Alaska Chapter of the American Association of Medical Assistants and as an adjunct professor at the University of Alaska Mat-Su.
As a faithful servant of her church, Christine played an active role as an elder at Northgate Alaska Church, where her faith inspired many in the community. Her legacy of love, care, and dedication will continue through her six children: Mark (Connie) Greig, Rebekah (Martin) Lincecum, Sarah (Fritz) Hanna, Kate Carder, Abigail (Jason) Coatney, and Stephanie Templeton. She was very proud of her sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and was excited that the family is welcoming three more in the coming months.
Christine is also survived by her loving husband Bill, his children, her brother Roger (Bobbie) Carothers, and her many cousins. She is proceeded in death by her father, mother and sister.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Ancora Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care of not only Christine, but the whole family. They were a true blessing.
A celebration of Christine's life will be held at Northgate Alaska Church on August 12, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Christine loved the beauty of flowers, and they are welcomed, however, the family also knows she would appreciate donations be made to The Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska (alzalaska.org) as an alternative.
Christine's spirit will forever be remembered in the hearts of all who knew her.