Doris Bell Tallman

Wasilla resident Doris Bell Tallman, 90, died peacefully at home, where she lived with her granddaughter, Dawn Rodrigue, and grandson, Jordan Rodrigue.

Celebration of life in honor of Doris is at 1 p.m., Oct. 16 at Bingo Mania in Wasilla.

At Doris’s request, her ashes will be driven down the Alaska Highway back to Vermont, where she will be buried next to her husband. She also requested a stop along the way at a casino, where $20 will be played in a slot machine for her.

Doris was born May 12, 1921, in Lowell, Vt., the daughter of Dorick and Myra (Akins) Pronto.

Doris moved to Alaska in 1985. She enjoyed sewing, fishing and trips to Las Vegas, but her biggest love was playing bingo.

The family wrote: “She was a strong, independent, loving and caring woman. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.”

Her PCA, Melissa Dreas, said, “I will miss seeing her face every day.”

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Tallman (June 1977); and her daughter-in-law, Sandra Tallman (January 2003).

Doris is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Arthur and Bobbie Tallman of Pascagoula, Miss.; son and daughter-in-law, Dorick and Barbara Tallman of North Wolcott, Vt.; son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Jenny Tallman of Wasilla; son, Winston Tallman of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Forrest Dow of Wasilla; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.