Margie Doreen Erps

Margie Doreen Erps, 87, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died Jan. 5, 2012, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

Margie was born Aug. 4, 1924, in Fedora, S.D., to Charles and Emma Lea Martin, who preceded her in death.

Margie spent her childhood growing up in South and North Dakota. It was there that she met the love of her life, Rex Erps. Rex and Margie were married and started their family. From there, they decided to move their family to the Territory of Alaska in 1954. Once in Alaska, they lived in Anchorage for a couple of years before moving to Portage.

Margie spent her time there raising her family, fishing and working at Diamond Jim's as a waitress and cook. From there they moved to Girdwood, where she worked as a substitute teacher in the local one-room school. The year before the 1964 earthquake, the family moved to the Hillside in Anchorage. Margie worked at Fort Richardson for a short period of time. In 1984, Margie and her husband moved to the Mat-Su Valley. There, she spent her time pursuing her love of cooking, fishing, Bunka art and reading.

Surviving are her husband, Rex Erps of Palmer; son, Rick Erps of Whidbey Island, Wash.; son, Michael Erps of Wasilla; daughter, Kaylea Edick of Willow; son, Gene Erps of Bremerton, Wash.; and 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Margie's life is Jan. 10 at Willow First Baptist Church. Viewing is at 10:30 a.m., with services at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in her memory to Boy's Town, 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE 68010.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Dr. Natalie Beyeler, her family doctor, who cared for her for many years, as well as Dr. Brady and the nursing staff at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for their loving care.

Kehl's Mortuary of Palmer cared for the family.