Raone “Sami” Riley Bingham

Raone Riley Bingham, who was known as Sami throughout most of her life, passed peacefully from this life to the next on July 19, 2014, which was her 92nd birthday.

Sami was born in Bountiful, Utah, on July 19, 1922. Her parents operated a small dairy farm and greenhouse, where she learned the value of hard work and positive thinking early in life.

After completing high school, Sami attended the University of Utah where she received a degree as a Registered Nurse. While there, she met her husband Carl Bingham, whom she married on November 16, 1946.

In 1951 Sami and Carl accepted an invitation from Carl’s sister Hazel Butcher to return with her to Alaska, driving the Alaska Highway. Thus began their life in Alaska. Upon arrival in Anchorage, Sami was hired as a pediatric nurse at the newly opened Native Service Hospital. After living in Anchorage initially, Sami and Carl had the opportunity to prove up on a homestead site located on Knik River. While living on the homestead they continued to work in Anchorage, a commute which often required both hiking and driving to achieve. After about a year, Carl and Sami returned to Anchorage, purchasing a home in what was then known as Spenard where they lived and raised their family for the next 50 years.

After the birth of her daughter Kim, Sami decided to devote her time to her family instead of nursing. Three years later Carl (Gene) was born and Sami’s life as “mom” began in earnest. She was a loving and generous mother, supporting and encouraging her children’s participation in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church, school, and other activities.

Second only to Sami’s love for family, was her love of gardening. Summers were always spent in the garden, which produced lush raspberries and prolific vegetables, which she shared with others. She was one of the first members of the Wildflower Garden Club, and continued to work in the gardens of her children well into her 80’s.

Sami was an active member of the LDS Church, and served in the Anchorage temple when it originally opened.

Sami dearly loved her six grandchildren who knew her as “Grandma Sami”, and was anticipating the birth of her first great grandchild next month.

She was, and always will be, an example to all who knew her of the value of positive thinking, persistence and hard work.

Surviving are her daughter, Kim Bassett (Marty); son, Carl Bingham (Pam); and grandchildren, Olin, Zoe, Isaac, Eva, Sarah, and Megan.

A celebration of Sami’s life is at 4 p.m., Aug. 12 at the home of her son Carl, 18927 E. Knik River Road, Palmer. Please call (907) 632-1980 for directions.