DORIS MAY STOKER

Doris May Stoker, 71, of Wasilla, died Nov. 23, 2003, at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage. She was born May 13, 1932, in Canton, Okla., the daughter of Harvey and Rosie Franklin. She married Roland F. Stoker Nov. 8, 1952, in Grand Junction, Colo. They retired to Alaska in 1985.

Mrs. Stoker is survived by her husband Roland of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law Caroline and Allan Applehans of Wasilla; son Roland Jr. of Billings, Mont.; son and daughter-in-law Harvey and Linette Stoker of Wasilla; grandchildren Cody Applehans, Jodi Johnson, Jesse Applehans, Aaron Stoker, Heidi Stoker and Stephanie Stoker; three great-grandchildren; sister Clara DeVries of Tooele, Utah; and brother Tom Franklin of Grand Junction.

A sister, Mary Schiefer, and a brother, Jim Franklin, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Stoker enjoyed sewing, crocheting and growing African violets. She was a member of the African Violet Club.

Her family said, "Mom was a very special, loving and thoughtful person. When her kids were younger she liked to make things for them, and as time went on, for her grandkids. Mom was more than just an ordinary mom. She like to hunt, fish, go to all the baseball games or 4-H events, hunt rocks, camp, or anything so long as it was a family outing. Mom could cook and sew with the best of them, and taught her kids how to do the same. There are too many special things she did, but they reached out in every direction. She always kept in touch with her friends, whether they moved across town or across the country. She was known around the Valley for her crocheting and many bazaar items. Mom's time on earth was too short, but she brought a lot of smiles and joy to a lot of people -- most of all her family."

There will be a memorial service Monday at 2 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Bogard Road in Wasilla. Layne Channer will officiate. Her cremains will be buried in Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Grand Junction, Colo. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, 1057 Fireweed Lane, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99503.

Arrangements were made by Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory.