Rebecca Joanne Engel

Rebecca Joanne Engel, 68, of Houston, died Feb. 16, 2011, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage of renal failure.

Memorial services are at 6 p.m., Feb. 21 at Wasilla Bible Church, 1651 W. Nicola Ave., Wasilla. Pastor Jim Eller will officiate.

Rebecca was born Aug. 24, 1942, in Cambridge, Minn., the daughter of Arnold and Esther Benson. She lived in Minnesota before moving to Alaska in the summer of 1973. She resided in Chugiak and later moved to Wasilla. She was employed for 20 years as the manager of the Salvation Army thrift stores in Chugiak, Wasilla and Anchorage.

Rebecca enjoyed gardening with her grandchildren, quilting, crocheting, music, travel, cooking and art.

Her family wrote: “She always held her family in highest esteem, devoting her life to her three sons and their families. Her demeanor was that of gentleness and quiet in spirit, and she cared and loved all people helping those in need leaving many good memories to all who knew her.”

She is survived by her sons, Greg and his wife, Sherry Forschen, Wasilla; Garrett Forschen, Houston; and Garland and his wife, Jennifer Forschen, Houston; two grandsons, Brandon and Christopher Forschen, Houston; and granddaughter, Amanda Forschen, Houston.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Esther Benson; sister, Beverly Rothfus; two brothers, Leroy and Lloyd Benson; and husband, Charles Engel.

Arrangements by Cremation Society of Alaska, alaskacremation.com.