Dr. Sharon Lee Willoughby-Blake

Sharon Lee Willoughby-Blake, DVM, D.C., 63, died Nov. 10, 2010, at her Palmer residence, from complications of cancer.

Sharon was born Dec. 1, 1946, in Battle Creek, Mich. to Sammy and Edna Willoughby. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1970, with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and later with a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1986 from Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa. In 1986, Sharon founded Options for Animals, a college of animal chiropractics in Illinois. She was a founding member of Sindorf Equestrian Educational Center. As a lifetime member of ACVA, Sharon received the first annual AVCA Animal Chiropractor of the year in 2000. Other awards that Sharon received were Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award, 2001 from Michigan State University, Large Animal Clinic Award 1970 from Michigan State University, and Professor of the year in 1989 from Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Sharon enjoyed spending time with and loving Truman, family, friends, all animals, building miniature dollhouses and teaching. Her family states, “All of the animals are lining up in Heaven: Dr. Sharon is in.”

She is survived by her husband Truman Blake of Wasilla; son Jason Jakubas of Michigan; father Sammy Willoughby of Michigan; brother Keith Willoughby of Florida; and sister Jan Eccles of Michigan.

In addition to her mother, Edna Mae Leeth, Sharon was preceded in death by, grandfather, Francis Conway; and grandmother, Ruby Conway.

Arrangements were by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.