Johnnie Sue Looney

Johnnie Sue (Grooms) Looney, 71, died Nov. 11, 2007, from heart failure at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

She was born May 16, 1938, in Quanah, Texas, and came to Wasilla in July 2006. She had worked in computer assembly and cosmetology while enjoying sewing, painting and collecting Santa figures as her hobbies.

She was married to Darrel P. Looney on June 26, 1956, in Redwood City, Calif., and the couple remained married for 47 years until his death in 2003. Looney was known as Nana to her grandchildren and enjoyed her pets, especially since her husband’s passing.

Looney enjoyed art and was an accomplished painter. Her work hangs in homes from Kentucky to California to Alaska. She especially enjoyed painting scenic adaptations of places she had traveled. Technology helped Looney pursue one of her favorite pastimes, embroidering designs, patterns and names on shirts, blouses and towels for her grandchildren on her digital sewing machine. She also had a great sense of humor and loved to watch animated movies with her grandson.

Looney was always impressed with Alaska's grandeur and wildlife and enjoyed every moose, caribou, eagle, sheep, porcupine and fox as if it were her first. Even the chickadees and nuthatches that visited her feeders were cause for excitement.

Moving to Alaska in July 2006 allowed Looney to realize a longtime dream of seeing the northern lights in person. She would stay up into the wee hours of the morning, calling her cousin next door to watch the lights dance above Baldy.

Looney’s favorite holiday was Christmas. Lights and decorations were a must and frowns were not allowed. She gave more than she received and believed every child should have a wonderful Christmas. Though her lights came down, her Santas never left. Two large curio cabinets filled with Santa figures from around the world were always lit for display year-round.

Looney is survived by her Alaska family, cousins Ann and Thom Richards, and Thomas, CheyAnn and Sterling Richards, all of Wasilla; Monty Owen of Jacksonville, Fla.; children Russ and Deborah Jones and their children of Kentucky, and Richard and Tammy Looney of California; uncles Bill Land of Arkansas and Jimmie Land of Texas; and numerous cousins in Texas, Arkansas, Alabama and Kentucky. She was predeceased by her husband, Darrell; and parents John T. and Ruby Grooms.

Her ashes will be interred in Bowling Green, Ky.

Valley Funeral Homes and Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer assisted the family.