Joan Lanehart

Longtime Wasilla resident Joan Lanehart, 69, passed away peacefully at home Oct. 8, 2017. She was born May 10,1948, in Chama, Colorado, to Charlie and Casilda Martinez. She graduated from Manual High School in Denver, Colorado. On May 10, 1969, she married Ralph Lanehart. In April of 1973 they moved to Alaska. Joan was a loving homemaker who was very family oriented. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially traveling to Disneyland and Disneyworld with her grandchildren. Driving cross country visiting family and friends was something she looked forward to every other year. Additionally, you would find her on the baseball field watching her son and grandchildren play or in the bowling alley both as a bowler and a cheerleader for family and friends. Reading, playing slot machines and watching Jeopardy were also some of her pastimes.

Joan’s love for her family, kind heart and generosity to others was undeniable. She had a fondness for angels and we know she will live on as a guardian angel to those she loved and left behind.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years Ralph Lanehart of Wasilla, Alaska, son and daughter-in-law Larry and Katie Lanehart of Eagle River, Alaska, three grandchildren, Connor, Riley and Abigail Lanehart all of Eagle River, Alaska, three sisters and their spouses, Tina and Raymond Vialpando, Betty & Eloy Castillo and Pat and Raymond Madrid as well as a brother Virgil Martinez all of Colorado, Sister-in-law Bev Shipe of Baker, West Virginia, Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carolyn and Matt Brock of Onalaska, Washington. In addition, she leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Casilda Martinez and a sister Viola Vigil.

A viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16 with a service to follow at Joy Lutheran Church 10111 E. Eagle River Loop Rd Eagle River, Alaska. Internment will be held at the National Cemetery on JBER. Those wishing to attend should be at the Ft. Richardson gate by 2 p.m. Following internment, a Celebration of Life will be held back at Joy Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements were handled by Legacy Funeral Home.