Judith E. Schoephorster

Lifelong Alaska resident, Mrs. Judith Eileen Schoephorster, 54, died Dec. 3, 2010, at home in Sutton.

A service is at 4 p.m., Dec. 11 at the Alpine Inn in Sutton.

Judith was born Feb. 2, 1956, in Palmer, in the Territory of Alaska and raised at her parents’ homestead by the base of Pioneer Peak, before moving out to Sutton. She graduated from Palmer High School class of 1974.

Judith worked as a baker and cook in many local restaurants and cafes throughout the Matanuska Valley. In 1990-91 she worked as a baker and breakfast cook for the Doyon Corp. on the North Slope. Before her retirement, she worked as a bartender at the Alpine Inn in Sutton. She retired from work in 1993.

Judi worked as a volunteer for many community functions never asking for anything in return, but was often awarded citations and certificates of gratitude. One of her most prized thank you notes came personally from Governor Cowper for a special cake that she baked when he and his wife visited Sutton.

Judi enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends, all types of outdoor activities, halibut fishing, clam digging, dip-netting at the Copper River, caribou hunting and berry picking.

Judi had an open door and an open heart to anyone in need of anything. Many wayward teens found a temporary home and refuge. She welcomed all with open arms, a hot meal and a roof over their heads. Many people knew her as Mom, Aunt Judi or Grandma Judi.

She is survived by husband Kurt Schoephorster of Sutton; son, Zachary Schoephorster, of Sutton; daughter, Erin Schoephorster of Anchorage; grandson Gage Schoephorster of Sutton; granddaughter Tara Schoephorster of Sutton; granddaughter Abigail Harrold of Anchorage; brother, Mark Simpson of Butte; sisters Ree Moffitt of Butte and Gail Burkhart of Hatcher Pass; and by many children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends directly related or part of her extended family.

Arrangements are with Legacy Funeral Homes, Kehls Palmer Chapel.