Maria Magdalena Ballock

Maria Magdalena Ballock, 80,

Longtime Alaska resident Maria Magdalena Ballock, 80, died Oct. 25, 2008 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Family and friends were at her side.

Ballock was the daughter of Fred and Fructuosa Tanner and was born in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines.

She is survived by her dearest friend and companion, Herb Fey; and children Rita Andrews, Kini Hanson, Susie Boatright, David Buenafe, Judy Zacharias, Jeanne Berry, Tony Sia, Jamie Mayo, Mark Mattingly and Erroll Thomas. Ballock has 26 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, David A. Buenafe, and husband Jack Ballock; daughter Gloria D. Buenafe; son-in-law Don Loughner; and daughter-in-law Brenda Buenafe.

Family and friends gathered at a memorial dinner to celebrate Ballock’s life.

Ballock loved flowers, gardening, cooking, music, animals and exhibited such joy watching wild birds and wildlife. She was full of joy, laughter and generosity. She possessed a great sense of humor and compassion and could exhibit a positive, comical, feisty spirit that was loved and admired.

Ballock truly cared for, and deeply loved her family and friends. She is loved and will be deeply missed, her family wrote.

Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Palmer & Wasilla assisted the family.