Elizabeth J. Boyd-Beu

Elizabeth (Betty) J. Boyd-Beu, 95, formerly of Wasilla, died Nov. 15, 2012.

Betty was born on May 4, 1917, in Fresno, Calif., to Isaac and Sarah Glenn. She was the first of seven children. When she began her career in civil service, her adventurous nature prompted her to accept a job offer in Washington, D.C., which led to assignments in Bermuda and then Honolulu.

In 1945, she met and married Keith F. Boyd. They endured the treacherous Alaska Highway to reach Alaska, where they homesteaded 40 acres in Wasilla. She became the education officer at Elmendorf Air Force Base. She was both a lifetime educator and student, receiving a Bachelor and Master of Education, and at the age of 75, her doctorate in education.

She retired from Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida after more than 32 years of service. She continued to explore other occupations, working in real estate, Newcomer Services, teaching at local schools and colleges, and was a member of several organizations. She traveled extensively and eventually moved back to Alaska to live near her family. There, she worked with the Adult Education program and was an adjunct professor at the colleges.

In 1995, she married Edwin G. Beu Jr. They enjoyed traveling with each other for 17 years. After losing Ed in April 2012, she moved back to Florida to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

Betty enjoyed bowling, gardening, traveling, dancing, all kinds of music, the fine arts, tree farming and spending time with family and friends. She blazed the trail for women, competing for job placements traditionally held by men. She loved life and was always eager for new adventures. She was an avid supporter of the Performing Arts Center and Valley Performing Arts in Alaska and enjoyed being an election official in Wasilla. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Anchorage for many years and recently had become a member of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Panama City, Fla.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Gene Wicker of Southport, Fla.; Ed’s sons, Gary Beu (Carla) of Kentucky and Eddie Beu (Lisa) of Anchorage; grandsons, James Wicker (Brooke) of Crestview, Fla., and John Wicker of Panama City, Fla.; granddaughters, Melissa Beu Brewer (Jay) of Utah, Holly Beu of Anchorage, and Farelyn Fredianelli (Marc) of California; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Christina Berry, Pearl Patrick, Blossom Malkasian (Pete) and Donna Jean Ross (Dean); and dear friends, Mark and Bess Rahe, and Bob and Mary Bridges.

Betty’s family would like to thank Home Instead, Emerald Coast Hospice and all of the staff at Emerald Shores Rehabilitation Center for their loving care and kindness.

Memorial services are at 2 p.m., Dec. 8 at the First Congregational Church in Anchorage with the Rev. George Blair and Father Norm Elliott officiating.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in her name to Valley Performing Arts in Wasilla or First Congregational Church in Anchorage.

Arrangements have been made by Legacy Funeral Homes.