Ella Blade

Longtime Alaska resident Ella Blade, 71, died after battling with many health issues.

Ella was born in Sacramento, Calif., and moved to Alaska in 1969, where she married Gary Blade in 1970.

Ella worked for Alaska Home Health in the 1970s, and in 1977 began working at the Anchorage Pioneer Home, where she retired as a recreational/activities aide in 1995.

Gary and Ella spent the next 13 years traveling as “snowbirds” in their motor home with their Shih Tzus, returning home every spring. Ella loved motor-homing, crafts, casinos and garage sales.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 39 years, Gary; son, Martin; mother, Mary Fields; father, Charles Mathis; and sisters, Wanda Jefferies and Lorene Jasper.

Surviving are daughter, Jeanette Skinner of Kenai; grandson, Michael Skinner of Kenai; granddaughter and husband, Amanda and Tyler Chapman of Anchorage; and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life from 1 to 3 p.m., Sept. 8 at the Blades’ home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of the senders’ choice.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Wasilla.