Johnnie Mae Deering

Johnnie Mae Deering, 70, died quietly in her home in Palmer on Feb. 17, 2006. She spent her last hours surrounded by her loving family.

Ms. Deering was born in Tulsa, Okla., in 1936, the sixth child of eight, to Rachel and John Reed. Married in 1958, she started her family of three daughters and two sons and moved to California. She moved to Oregon in 1969. In 1987, she traveled to Alaska, where she fell in love with the state. She retired as caregiver to the elderly in 1999 and made Palmer her permanent home in 2000.

She is survived by the families of Glen and Faye Reed and Charles and Dixie Reed, and the families of her brothers, Jay and Paul, and sisters, Dorothy and Rosie, who preceded her in death. Most are residents of San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Her children include Bea and Dewayne John of Palmer, Shelia Hare of California, Connie Hess of Arizona, and Bennie and Marcy Deering of Fairbanks. Her son, Steven, preceded her in death.

Ms. Deering's pride and joy has always been her grandchildren, Sgt. Joseph Hare, Misty Patric, Karissa and Karinna Hess, Benjamin and Jordan Deering and Jessa, Justin, Jadah, and Jorja Joehnk. Her great-grandchildren include Destiny and Brittney Patric, Adam, Skylar, Alana, and Alyssa Hess and little Mike Hare. Her family thanks the wonderful people of Valley Hospice for their warm care and support. Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.