Deby Trosper

Longtime Alaskan Deborah “Deby” Trosper, 61, now of Olympia, Wash., passed away Aug. 22, 2013, after a battle with cancer.

She was born June 11, 1952, in Corpus Christi, Texas and moved to Fairbanks in 1974 where she met her husband, Steve Trosper.

From 1974 to 1982 the Trospers worked as musicians in Alaska, California and Texas. In 1984 the family moved to Wasilla where Deby became associated with the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, first as a volunteer and later as a staff member. She loved her family, friends, music and the time she spent with her co-workers, volunteers and the friends she made on the Iditarod trail. Deby was blessed to spend the last years of her life near her children and grandchildren in Washington. Her family was with her at her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are her husband, Steve; three children, Ezekiel (Zeke) Trosper and wife Melanie of Des Moines, Wash., Sarah Simpson of University Place, Wash., and Zachary Trosper of Union, Wash.; sister, Jerry Snyder and husband Joe of Orlando, Fla.; brother, James Flemmons and wife Kellee of Round Rock, Texas; and two granddaughters, Charlotte “Charlie” Simpson and Vera Belle “Vivi” Simpson of University Place.

A memorial service is at 11 a.m., Sept. 21 at Wasilla Christian Church, 2201 S. Knik-Goose Bay Road in Wasilla. At her request her ashes will be scattered on the Iditarod Trail at Rainy Pass.