DebraLee Burton Tankersley

Wasilla resident DebraLee Burton Tankersley, 51, died suddenly at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center on Jan. 8, 2015.

She was born in July 1963 in Anchorage. She was a graduate of Muldoon Community Assembly High School in 1980. She received her Masters Degree in Education in 2008.

Her work history included the Bonneville Dam Project, Nordstrom, and Payless Shoes. At the time of her death, she was a teacher for the Mat-Su Borough School District.

Her husband said, “She taught me the true meaning of Unconditional love, and her laughter could fill a room with joy.” Her favorite words to live by were "Live well, Laugh Often, Love Much.”

DebraLee and Mark Tankersley had their first date on Sept. 25, 2006, and were married exactly five years later at the Trail River Campground on Kenai Lake.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Tankersley of Wasilla; sisters, Vicki Burton Cordaro of Ramona, California and Linda Burton of Kentucky; father and mother-in-law, James and Lillian Tankersley of Wasilla; best friend, Nita from Palmer; and The Bunns.

She was preceded in death by her father, Delno Burton; and her mother, Elsie Burton.

The family has requested memorial contributions be directed to MY House, 300 N. Willow St., Wasilla, AK 99654.

A celebration of life is at 2 p.m., Jan. 24 at Valley Pathways School in Palmer. DebraLee and Mark’s longtime friend, Anthony Scott Brown will officiate the service. Please bring memories of DebraLee to share with everyone. There will be a potluck immediately following the service, also at Valley Pathways.

Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Alaska. A guestbook may be signed online at alaskacremation.com.