ELIZABETH L. KOVICH

Wasilla resident Elizabeth “Beth” L. Kovich, 58, died Nov. 9 of natural causes at her home in Wasilla.

Mrs. Kovich was born Feb. 27, 1950, in Butte, Mont., to William and Thelma Hitchens.

She was a teacher of 34 years, teaching at Pioneer Peak Elementary for 21 of those years. She was a member of the teaching sorority Delta Kappa Gamma. She was BP Teacher of the Year Nominee and was the Pioneer Peak PTA Teacher of the Year 2002-2003.

She loved sewing, quilting, reading, paper crafts and teaching.

Her family said: “Beth was a loving and caring wife, mother and teacher. She will be deeply missed by all of her family and those whose lives she touched.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Thelma Hitchens; and father-in-law, Edward Kovich Sr. Survivors are her husband, Edward F. Kovich of Wasilla; son, Richard J. Kovich of Wasilla; daughters, Jennifer A. Kinsfather of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Kristina F. Kovich of Wasilla; sister, Rae Rau of Austin, Texas; brother, Bill Hitchens of Butte, Mont.; son-in-law, Jason R. Kinsfather of Salt Lake City, Utah; mother-in-law, Helen M. Kovich of Helena, Mont., and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, 1375 E. Bogard Rd., 7 p.m., tonight. She will be interred at Fort Richardson on a later date.

Well-wishers may donate to a charity of their choice in honor of Beth.