PATRICIA E. DROVER

Willow resident Patricia Elizabeth (Carlson) Drover, 61, died of cancer at her home on March 15, 2005.

A Mass of Christian burial was scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, at St. Philip Catholic Church in Trapper Creek, with Father Leroy Clementish officiating. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at Trapper Creek Elementary.

Ms. Drover was born April 4, 1943 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. She graduated from Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to receive her teaching degree.

She moved to Alaska in 1977, when she made Willow her home. In 1979, she began teaching at Trapper Creek Elementary School and taught there for 20 years. She was a member of St. Philip's Catholic Church and Upper Susitna Seniors. She enjoyed reading, snowmachining, music, creating beadwork and pastel drawings and spending time with her family.

Her family wrote, "Our mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend has blessed our lives with her special gifts of kindness, compassion and patience. Her ever-present grace flowed as easily as her uncompromising and unconditional love and compassion for life, family and her faith in God."

Ms. Drover's father, George Harold Carlson, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Ronald J. Drover Sr. of Willow; sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald J. Jr. and Vikkilee Drover of Sunshine, Douglas and Marsha Drover of Neshkoro, Wis., James and Sue Drover of Sunshine and Bill and Heather Drover of Talkeetna; son, Tony Drover of Sunshine; mother, Frances Carlson of Neshkoro, Wis.; 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, sisters and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews, also survive her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trapper Creek Elementary School, P.O. Box 13108, Trapper Creek, AK 99683. Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.