Janet Elaine Spears

Janet Elaine Spears, 72, died Nov. 16, 2012, at her home in Eagle River after a long battle with cancer. Family and friends surrounded her during her final days.

Janet was born in Sunnyside, Wash., on Feb. 10, 1940, the fourth of 15 children. She graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1958 and married Bobby Spears shortly after. She followed her military husband to England, where she started her family, and lived in many different places before moving to Alaska with her husband and three children in 1970.

As Janet’s kids grew older, she worked at Anchorage School District as a cafeteria manager and several other part-time positions, eventually earning retirement.

Janet’s biggest joys in life were her relationship with the Lord and serving others whenever and however she could. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, camping, jigsaw puzzles, playing games with her family and all church activities.

“Janet was the most caring and thoughtful mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, and was a friend to all who knew her,” her family wrote.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Ernest N. and Catherine M. Moore; former husband, Bobby Spears; and infant sister, Phyllis Moore.

Surviving are her daughter, Rose (Kip) Kuiper; sons, Jeff (Lucinda) Spears and Joe (Mary) Spears; granddaughters, Meredith and Maggie Spears; honorary grandson, David Wright; brothers and sisters, John (Burnice) Moore, Mary Ann Renner, Nancy (Gary) Koreski, Michael (June) Moore, Hershel (Karen) Moore, Kathleen (Jerry) Mason, Edward (Pat) Moore, Thomas (Ruth) Moore, Victoria (Bill) Sanborn, Laura (Harry) Burns, Susan Ott, Andrea (Cheryl) Moore and David Moore; adopted sister, Roberta Player; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and an uncle; special friends, Bill and Nancy Lance with their children and grandchildren; and her extended church community, who she always thought of as part of her family.

A memorial service is at 3 p.m., Nov. 20 at Eagle River Community Christian Church, on the corner of Coronado and Celestial Streets in Eagle River. Janet will be cremated, and her ashes will be buried at a later date in Sunnyside, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your church or her church, Eagle River Community Christian Church, 11529 Celestial Street, Eagle River, AK 99577.

Arrangements were by Cremation Society of Alaska. A guestbook is online at alaskacremation.com.