Heather Kay (Griffin) Metzker

Heather Kay (Griffin) Metzker, 70, died Feb. 1, 2012, in Willow with her family and friends at her side.

A celebration of life potluck in honor of Heather is at 3 p.m., Feb. 18 at the Hansen family home, 13292 Marguerite Circle, Willow.

Heather was born Aug. 14, 1941, in Tumwater, Wash., to Bernard and Julia (Eaton) Griffin.

Heather graduated from Olympia High School in Olympia, Wash. She moved to Alaska in 1971. She was a Christian who enjoyed reading, writing, playing casino games and spending time with family and friends.

Heather was a sweet, loving person who had a heart of gold. She would do anything to make others happy while asking for nothing in return. She had the gift of gab and was able to talk to all, and she was a great listener and problem-solver. She made an impact on all who were lucky enough to be a part of her life. She had the ability to always make us laugh, to be there when we cried and to make us all feel better. We will miss here dearly, but know that she is with God and is happy now.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Julia and Bernard Griffin; brothers, Pat, Tom and Jeff Griffin; sister, Bernita Griffin; and her son, Timothy Kruse.

Surviving are her loving husband, Gary W. Metzker; and daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Axel Hansen, all of Willow; as well as grandsons, granddaughters, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cindy Hansen, P.O. Box 377, Willow, AK 99688, or at Matanuska Valley Credit Union, Account No. 52926.