LYNN MARIE WILKINS

Wasilla resident, Mrs. Lynn Marie Wilkins, 47, died Dec. 2, 2003, peacefully at her home with her family, from a very aggressive battle with cancer.

A memorial service was held Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Mat-Su Assembly of God Church, 12801 W. Arctic Avenue in Palmer. Sondra Markwardt officiated.

Mrs. Wilkins was born Dec. 24, 1955, in Wenatchee, Wash.

She graduated from West Valley High School in Yakima, Wash., in 1974.

She became a resident of Alaska in 1993 residing in Wasilla until her death.

Mrs. Wilkins worked as a bookkeeper for various companies in Yakima and in the Mat-Su Valley before becoming the office manager for Valley Woman's Health Care where she worked until 2003.

She was active in her children's high school booster clubs, she was the treasurer for several hockey teams and she showed pride in her children's extracurricular activities.

She was a collector of her children's fine art, Snowbabies and she had an unproclaimed green thumb. Kayaking with friends and gathering the family for a midnight showing of the northern lights sustained her love for Alaska.

Her growth in Christ was assisted by Crossroads Community Church and her fellowship in many Bible studies.

Her family wrote, "From cheek-hugs to Eskimo-kisses, her loving kindness touched many more than her family. From decorating the Christmas tree to frosting cookies, tangerines in stockings and hiding Easter baskets, holidays were special because of her."

Her mother, Frances Joanne Armitage, and her mother-in-law, Frances Mae Wilkins, preceded Mrs. Wilkins in death.

Mrs. Wilkins is survived by her husband Ron Wilkins; children Megan Peterson, Katie Wilkins, Garrett Wilkins and son-in-law, and Adam Peterson, all of Alaska; father Dean Armitage of Yakima; father-in-law J.H. Wilkins of Naches, Wash.; brother Rob Armitage of Hawaii; sister Kim Thomas of Yakima; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ed and June Knoble of Yakima; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry and Rhonda Wilkins of Othello, Wash.; and several nephews and nieces.

Memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of the Mat-Su, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.