Rebecca Marie Willey

Rebecca “Becky” Willey passed away on Jan. 17, 2015, at her daughter’s home in Anchorage.

Becky was born on Jan. 18, 1941 in Dresden, Ohio, to Betty and Rudolph Porter. She grew up in Hanover, Ohio, and was class valedictorian when she graduated in 1959

Later that year, Becky eloped with the love of her life, Ralph “Willey” Willey. They had two daughters and one son, who died shortly after childbirth. Their spirit of adventure led them to move to Caldwell, Idaho, then to Helena, Montana and finally to Wasilla, Alaska in 1973.

Becky worked as a medical transcriptionist at Valley Hospital. In 1975 she and Willey bought Green Acres Resort, which they ran very successfully before selling it and moving to their cabin at Lake Louise. They purchased and ran the Lake Louise Junction for one year in the early 1980s, then operated The Hideout in Glennallen for a year.

Over the years, Becky and Willey developed a large network of friends and hosted many holiday gatherings for those with no family here in Alaska.

Becky was an accomplished piano and organ player, and played for most of the churches she attended wherever she lived. She also had a beautiful alto voice and sang in many choirs (not to mention karaoke bars).

Becky was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willey, her son, Benjamin Willey, and her brother, John Porter. Becky is survived by her daughters, Betty (Bill) Schorr and Laura (Greg) Scofield; grandson Ryan Kale and his fiancée, Melissa Ambs; sister, Ruth Ann (Galen) Rouanzoin; and former son-in-law Bryce Kale.

A memorial service is at noon, July 4 at the Lake Louise State Recreation Area. For more information call 907-250-1785.