JEAN PREWITT

Palmer resident Jean Prewitt, 81, died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, of pancreatic cancer, at home, with family members at her side.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, Sept. 29, at 3 p.m., at the Palmer Moose Lodge. Pastor Richard Allen from St. John Lutheran Church will officiate.

Mrs. Prewitt was born Feb. 16, 1924, in Duluth, Minn. In 1935 she moved to Alaska with her mother, Saima Kindgren Ising, and her stepfather, Oscar Kindgren, arriving aboard the St. Mihiel as a member of one of the original Matanuska Colonist families.

She married William Clay Prewitt on March 14, 1941. They raised their seven children in the Matanuska Valley. Mrs. Prewitt was a wife, mother and homemaker. She was an active member of the Women of the Moose Palmer chapter for more than 50 years, holding many offices, including chaplain. Mrs. Prewitt was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, and through the church's Lutheran Women's Missionary League, helped complete quilting projects for mission contributions. As a member of the Palmer Historical Society, she served as an active volunteer and docent at the Colony House Museum.

Her loved ones wrote, "Jean was always happy to see everyone who dropped by. Visitors were welcomed with coffee, homemade goodies and warm conversation. Her home, inside and out, reflected her warmth and charm and love of the beauty of Alaska."

Mrs. Prewitt was preceded in death by her spouse, Clay; eldest son, Donald; grandson, Jeff DeChambeau, and granddaughter, Tammy Vaillant.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Donna Prewitt, Linda Sobczak and husband, Ted, David Prewitt and wife, Ann, Sheryl Prewitt-Ronan and husband, Tim,Dennis Prewitt and wife, Sherry, and Daryl Prewitt. Other survivors include 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; her two sisters, Gerry Keeling and Barbara Brown; husband, John Borge; extended family members, and many friends in the Valley area.

Her ashes will be scattered over Pioneer Peak at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Mat-Su, the Palmer Historical Society or the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are being made by Valley Funeral Home.