LOIS L. KEPLER

Lois Luan Gallagher Kepler succumbed to pancreatic cancer on April 6, 2005, at her home in Palmer.

She was diagnosed

with the disease in November 2004 and was blessed to be able to spend her last days surrounded by family and dear friends.

Pastor Rick Van Tassel will be officiating at her memorial service at 2 p.m. April 30 at Farm Loop Christian Center, five miles north of Palmer on Farm Loop Road.

Mrs. Kepler was born June 3, 1930 in Macomb, Ill. She came to Palmer in 1953 after marrying David Kepler, a lifelong Valley resident. Together, they raised three children - Chris, Mark and Patti - and were very involved in community, church and ministry work.

She was a founding member of Farm Loop Christian Center, was active in the music ministry and carried the responsibilities of a church elder's wife for 30 years.

Her family wrote, "She and her husband gave love and hospitality to those of God's children who needed it most, serving as surrogate family for many. Lois and Dave extended their ministry to their family business, spreading the Gospel to patrons of Kepler Park each summer for decades.

"In December, she was at the hospital to welcome her seventh great-grandchild into the world.

In February, her sons took her for a last airplane ride over the Knik Glacier on a flight she would have taken with her husband, Dave, 50 years prior. "

"Lois had missed Dave very much since his death in December 2002 and near the end was excited to be joining him again. One of the last things she was able to talk about in detail was a dream in which she was flying in an airplane with Dave again.

"She was mentally peaceful and physically able close to the end, allowing her to enjoy favorite pastimes and new experiences.

Mrs. Kepler is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Her family thanks the friends who supported her and the hospice workers who provided care and compassion and made it possible for her to pass peacefully at home.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.