Merrilee "Toni" Kotzian

Merrilee “Toni” Kotzian 90, passed away on January 4th, 2024, peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved ones in Palmer Alaska. Known affectionately as Toni by family and friends, her nick name since birth, a testament to the warmth and familiarity she shared with those around her. Her departure leaves a void in the lives of many who cherished her remarkable sense of humor, her wit, kind heartedness and talents.

Toni was born to Jesse and Cora Kester in Everett Washington on Dec 15th, 1933. She was the third of four children. Her siblings, Elizabeth, Ardis, and her youngest brother Glenn all passed before her. Toni’s bond with her siblings was incredibly strong as their gatherings were always filled with laughter.

In her journey through life, Toni was joined in matrimony to Larry Kotzian until his passing on October 1st, 2023. Prior to Larry, she was married to John Walker, who until his untimely passing in April, 1970. She is survived by her loving children, Charles G Walker of Montana, Dian E Gossner of Santa Rosa CA, Cora Carleson of Wasilla Alaska, Lisbeth Kotzian of Port Angeles Washington, Betsy L Walker of Puerto Morales Mexico. She leaves behind a legacy of many cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren here in Alaska, Montana, and California.

Toni’s professional endeavors spanned various roles in retail, including working alongside her husband Larry at John Deere. She also worked alongside her previous husband, John, at a small neighborhood grocery store that they owned together in Everett Washington. In addition to her career, she enjoyed expressing her creativity through writing children’s books, storytelling, sewing, cooking, decorating, and reading. She was exceptionally creative and passed that down to her children.

Since 2000, Toni lived with her daughter and son in-law, Cora and Robert Carleson, in the Mat Su Valley in Alaska. In the last 3 years of her life, Toni resided in the Palmer Pioneer home, where she received compassionate care. Toni her family held a deep gratitude for the dedicated nurses, CAN’s and all those who provided her with exceptional support and kindness during her time there.

A private service will be held to honor Toni’s memory, exclusively for her family. Her departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.