Paula Leigh Butcher-Bliss

Wasilla resident Paula Leigh Butcher-Bliss, 69, died Jan. 10, 2012, at home with her loving family at her side.

Graveside services in honor of Paula will begin at 2 p.m., Jan. 16 at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. Bishop Breshears will conduct the service. Service may be delayed due to weather; please contact Valley Funeral Home for inquiries.

Paula was born July 17, 1942, in Seattle, Wash., the daughter of Harold and Hazel (Bingham) Butcher.

Paula was a very proud and longtime Alaska resident who enjoyed sewing, gardening, bird watching, her family and pets. She and her family were among the first to travel the Alaska Highway in 1946. Paula attended the Quonset Hut Elementary School in 1948 and graduated from Anchorage’s West High in 1960.

“Words can do little justice to the foundation our ‘Great Paula’ gave to our family,” her family wrote. “Her incredible strength, unconditional love and dedication throughout her life made her a great mentor for all who knew her. One cannot think of her without hearing her beautiful laugh and cheerful voice, thinking about the kindness and uplifting support she constantly gave. Her prayers and immeasurable faith was the umbrella in the stormy world in which we live. Our mother, grandmother, greatest friend and confidant will be truly missed and forever loved.”

Paula was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel C. Butcher; father, Harold J. Butcher; and Harold C. Bliss.

She is survived by her son, Wyatt Matthew Bliss; daughter, Leigh Miller; granddaughter, Jennifer Leigh Miller of Spokane, Wash.; granddaughter, Heather Miller-Bailey of Palmer; great-granddaughter, Emma Christine Bailey; brother, David Butcher of Anchorage; and brother, Darwin Butcher of La Conner, Wash.

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory.