Gwendolyn Audrey Best

Gwendolyn Audrey Best was born Dec. 31, 1924, in Denholm, Saskatchewan, Canada. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 21, 2015, at her home in Wasilla, Alaska. The funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at Wasilla Bible Church, starting at noon.

Gwen lived on a farm until she was 12. In 1936, she and her family moved from Denholm, Saskatchewan, to Chemainus, British Columbia. She did not finish high school in order to help her mother take care of the family. She later continued her education at a business college, finishing at Multnomah Bible College in Portland, Oregon.

After college, she moved to Washington and was involved in church ministries, including working in the Billy Graham Crusades. At 28, Gwen met and married the love of her life, Edgar “Bud” Best in Bremerton, Washington. They had three sons, and in 1961, they decided to move their family to Alaska. Upon arriving, they settled in the Matanuska Valley, working at Valley Christian Children’s home. Their family expanded with adding two daughters, as well as fostering a child. After serving at the children’s home, they moved all over the Valley, from Birchwood to their homestead in Willow. Eventually they landed in Wasilla, and it was there they lived out the remainder of their lives.

Gwen was a part of the Brethren Assemblies, where she and her husband opened their home for services. She taught Sunday school for years to her children, the church family, and to her grandchildren. They started the Aw-saw Bible Camp, where she cooked and served behind the scenes for 27 years.

Gwen served diligently with her husband as a volunteer at the Valley Hospital/AIC. She continued this up until her passing for a total of 17 years.

To know Gwen was to love her. Her spunk, sense of humor, and love for life were a joy to be around.

Gwen always cherished the time she spent with her friends and family. She has shown us all a true heart for the Lord through patience, kindness, gentleness and most of all unconditional love. She will be missed greatly until we see her again.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 51 years, and eight of her sisters and brothers. She is survived by seven sisters and brothers; her children, Steve Best, Philip Best (Sue), Mark Best, Nathan Best (Aimee), Grace Ann Hillyer (Joe), and Faith Lynn Fischer; her grandchildren, Matthew Best, David Best (Joey), Tabitha Karpow (Thomas), Anna Fisher (Kyle), Karen Best (David), Levi Fischer (Amy), Calder Hillyer (Janet), Charlotte Hillyer, Rhoda Fischer, Isaac Best (Rachel), Luke Fischer (Mayerly), Christina Helfers (Tyler), April Chiasson (David), Heidi Kirkpatrick (Shawn), Amber Waldvogel (Mike), Simon Fischer, Jasper Fischer (Elora); and 17 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Heal Our Patriots, at www.samaritanspurse.org, or North Star Bible Camp, PO Box 4 Willow, AK 99688.