HEZEKIAH S. KELLEY

Hezekiah Smallwood Kelley, 20, of Meadow Lakes, died from hypothermia in the Hatcher Pass region on July 3, 2005.

A memorial service will be held from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, July 10, on Gunflint Road.

Please call 376-9797 for directions. Floral arrangements are welcome.

A celebration of life will be held at noon, Monday, July 11, at Lane's Cabin at Hatcher Pass, located at the end of Archangel Road -- the road is located one mile past the Motherlode Lodge.

Mr. Kelley was born Dec. 28, 1984, in Henryetta, Okla. In 1993, at the age of 9, he moved with his family to Alaska, settling in the Meadow Lakes area.

Mr. Kelley graduated from Burchell High School in 2002. He enjoyed mountain climbing, gold panning and both winter and summer outdoor sports.

His family and friends wrote, "Hezekiah touched so many people in his brief journey through this life.

His sister said he was the gentlest soul in the world. She calls him the peacemaker, shedding joy and laughter anywhere he went. Hezekiah had a deep love of nature and loved to be outdoors.

"He loved camping, fishing and canoeing. He had so many friends he enjoyed spending time with. He was always welcome everywhere.

"His bright, sunny disposition brought joy to everyone. Hezekiah will be sorely missed by so many. We all pray that his soul is at rest and that he shines down upon us until we meet him again."

He is survived by his father, Billy Gene Kelley Jr.; mother, Della Mansfield of Oklahoma; sisters, Brandie Dozier of Big Lake and Noriea Kelley of Meadow Lakes; brothers, Billy Gene Kelley III, Jack Zackariah Kelley, Jake Turner and Mike Turner, all of Meadow Lakes, and a cousin, Richard Kelley of Meadow Lakes.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.