Nancy Lee Beaty

Wasilla resident Nancy Lee Beaty, 63, died at her home May 28, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A celebration of life service is planned at noon, June 4, at Grizzly Espresso.

Nancy was born May 4, 1948 in Weed, Calif., daughter of Lee and Edwina Vostmeyer. She moved to Alaska and lived in North Pole from 1976 to 1983. After living out of state for several years, Nancy and Mike moved the family to Wasilla in 1992. She opened Grizzly Espresso, one of the Valley’s first espresso stands, located at the south end of Trunk Road. She became endeared to hundreds of Valley residents with her family as they served their customers with fantastic coffee and cheerful seasonal displays of flowers and lights. She also had an occasional picnic for her customers and always had a treat for their canine friends. Nancy leaves behind hundreds of close friends and customers in the Valley.

Nancy enjoyed four-wheeling and camping with her family, as well as gardening and doing stained glass.

Nancy is survived by her husband, John Michael Beaty of Wasilla; son, Michael Lee Beaty and daughter-in-law Lia Beaty of Wasilla; daughter, Michele Beaty of Wasilla; and grandchildren, Dannial and Ryan Beaty of Wasilla.

The family plans to scatter her ashes at various places around the state enjoyed by the family on their many camping trips and four-wheeling adventures.

The family suggests memorials in Nancy’s memory be made to the American Cancer Society.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory Wasilla cared for the family.