R. JEAN EISWERTH

R. Jean Eiswerth, 62, was born in Silverton, Ore., on Aug. 5, 1941. She moved to Alaska the first time in the late '60s. When in her 40s, she went back to college for a master's degree in accounting, then returned to Alaska to work on the pipeline for Irene Bartee.

Ms. Eiswerth's life journey took her from Oregon to Alaska to Costa Rica, from San Francisco to Maryland and back to Alaska, by way of Oregon. She returned to Alaska the last time in 1997. She worked for Matanuska Maid for a while then decided to "go to sea." She worked for Trident and then Tyson on a fish processing ship out in Dutch Harbor doing payroll. After her third trip (and many Dramamine) she decided she was not a sailor and looked for a land job. She spent the last five years working in the accounting department at Matanuska Telephone Assoc. She also had her own business doing payroll and quarterlies for various local companies which were referred to her through Priscilla Horner, CPA. In her spare time she even "dabbled" in firewood with "Sweetpea."

Ms. Eiswerth was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church. After much debate, soul searching and praying, she was baptized on Sept. 20, 1998. She enjoyed the outdoors, visiting friends and relatives and was an avid reader. She even wrote her own book. She enjoyed the shows at the Machetanz Theatre and listening to the Alaska Children's Choir perform.

Ms. Eiswerth passed away at her parent's home on Jan. 20, 2004, in Salem, Ore. She is survived by her parents Bob and Wreva Mobley of Salem; daughters Kara Breuer and Kristine Williams, both of Vancouver, Wash.; brother Todd Mobley of Springfield, Ore.; sisters Vanessa Mobley and Lynne Burrell, both of San Francisco, Calif.; and grandsons Alexander and Andrew Breuer of Vancouver, Wash.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mile 2.2, Palmer-Wasilla Highway. A reception will follow. Donations can be made to: Trinity Lutheran Church, HC 01 BOX 6026-A, Palmer, AK 99645, Attn: Trinity Youth. Arrangements are by Weddle Funeral Home in Salem, Ore.