Kari Lyn Lindsey

Kari Lyn Lindsey, 48, died unexpectedly Dec. 15, 2012, at her home in Wasilla.

A celebration of Kari’s life is at 2 p.m., Jan. 17 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 East Bogard Road, Wasilla. A service also was at Peace Lutheran Church, Las Cruces, N.M., on Dec. 28, 2012. At her request, cremation has taken place.

Kari was born Jan. 10, 1964, in Fort Collins, Colo., to Don and Betty Lindsey. She moved with her parents and siblings to Las Cruces, N.M., when she was 5 years old. She graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1982 and attended the University of New Mexico. She lived in Spokane and Everett, Wash., for a number of years, and then moved to Anchorage 17 years ago. She dearly loved everything about Alaska, and winter was always her favorite time of year. She worked in restaurants in Anchorage and Wasilla until a car accident made it impossible for her continue working.

She loved to read, work crossword and jigsaw puzzles, do crafts of all kinds and especially to volunteer her time to help others. Her greatest passion was volunteering with Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue, where she spent many hours each day placing dogs with foster families. For her efforts, Kari was honored as the organization’s Volunteer of the Year. She loved animals, especially her dogs Snupee Dawg Dawg, Toto and Stitch.

She also volunteered with the Wasilla Chapter of the American Red Cross, was on the board of the Alaska Multiple Sclerosis Society and worked many holidays with organizations to help feed people in need. She was an active and involved member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla. Kari’s free spirit, independent nature and determination were qualities that carried her throughout her life as she dealt with many physical and health challenges. She lived life to the fullest and was always positive and upbeat under the most difficult circumstances. Her generous and compassionate life was an inspiration to those who knew her.

Surviving are her parents, Don and Betty Lindsey; grandmother, Laura Roach of Las Cruces, N.M.; sister, Kim (Rusty) Snell of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; brother, Greg Lindsey of El Paso, Texas; nieces, Tatum and Summer Snell; nephews, Brody and Mesa Snell; and a vast extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Frank and Helen Lindsey; grandfather, Eugene Roach; and uncle, Gerald Lindsey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kari’s memory may be made to Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue, P.O Box 876888, Wasilla, AK 99687; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163; or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wasilla.

Arrangements were by Valley Funeral Home. An obituary and guestbook are online at alaskanfuneral.com.