JUANITA (NITA) D. BELIO

Life-long Alaska resident Nita Belio, 59, died peacefully at her home in Wasilla on May 22, 2004.

Ms. Belio was born July 31, 1944, in Fairbanks.

Her fondest memories were of homesteading in Eagle River Valley with Leroy Van Genderen. Her greatest joys in life were spending time with family and friends. She loved caring for her pet dogs. She liked to write humorous poems. She was an avid scrabble player and enjoyed collecting Snoopy items.

Ms. Belio is survived by her daughter, Terri Houston, and son-in-law, Craig Houston, of Wasilla; extended family members James and Judith Houston of Dixon, Mo., Brent and Cheryl Houston, and Zach and Katie of Auburn, Wash., Todd and Melanie Houston of Anchorage; Troy and Angela Houston and Jessica Houston of Peters Creek, and Howard and Gladys Hayes of Juneau.

Ms. Belio is also survived by her many dear friends, Kathy and William Olinger of Wasilla, Leroy Van Genderen of Hot Springs, S.D., Lee Hammer and family of Elwood, Utah, Paul and Marilyn Anderson of Braham, Minn., Veronica Bowlen of Wasilla, Tommy Banks and Jeanie Hansgen of Wasilla, and Tom Agony and Joanna Lestenkof and family of Wasilla. Family and friends will gather for a private celebration of her life on June 5 in Wasilla.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.