Margaret Barenz

Eagle River resident Margaret Barenz, 81, died in her sleep Nov. 14, 2011.

A celebration of life is at 4 p.m., Nov. 27 at the Kings Way Assembly of God, 10336 Eagle River Loop Road in Eagle River. Friends and family are encouraged to bring a platter of finger foods for a potluck celebration. For more information on the celebration of life, contact Taylor Aho at (907) 444-6146 or (907) 696-3238.

Margaret was born April 3, 1930, in Marshall County, Ind., to Harry and Lily Haines. She moved to Alaska in 1960 and spent time living in Fairbanks, Nome, Valdez, Tok, Anchorage and Eagle River. She was a devoted housewife to Ralph and mother to Taylor and Herman. Marge enjoyed raising money for her church and helping the less fortunate.

Her husband, Ralph, wrote these touching words about Marge: “My bride, my wife, my partner, my heart, my soul, my life, my friend, I love you and miss you. Together now and through eternity you have been everything to me and we will meet again.”

Margaret’s daughter Taylor wrote, “My mom, my comfort, my guardian, I will love and miss you forever until we are together again in heaven.”

The McLaughlin family sends these sentiments, “She was a very nice lady. She will be truly missed and very much loved by everyone. Grandma was a very ornery person; she loved to tell people how she felt about things. Grandma was a very strong person that we will love always.”

Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Evelyn Moore; and two infant sons.

Surviving are her husband, Ralph L. Barenz and daughter, Taylor Aho of Eagle River; son, Herman Pflueger of Colorado; grandsons, Ralph L. Barenz II of Wasilla, Robert PJ Barenz of Milford, Ohio, and Jonathan Aho of Eagle River; granddaughters, Sylvia Bates-Melland of Big Lake, Samantha Bates-McDonald of Sheridan, Ariz., Charlie “CC” Gilman of Eagle River and Cerrena Gilman of Hershey, Pa.; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were by Anchorage Funeral Home and Crematory.