RONDA J. KNOTT

Longtime Alaska resident Ronda June Knott, 66, died after a long battle with lung cancer, at the home of her daughter, Suzan Beaty-Slover, in Wasilla on May 11, 2004

A memorial service was held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Valley Funeral Home Chapel, 151 E. Herning Avenue in Wasilla. Pastor Henry Woodall officiated. A scattering of her ashes took place at Crow Creek in Girdwood following the service.

Mrs. Knott was born March 11, 1938, in Mobile, Ala., to Clyde and Verda Moran.

She moved to Alaska June 6, 1963, with her first husband, Harold Beaty, son, Sam, and daughter, Suzan. She lived in Anchorage for most of her 22 years in Alaska. She had also lived in Eagle River in the '70s.

She was part owner in Delrois Bar in the Palmer-Butte area with her husband, Harold, mother-in-law, Jo Estes, and father-in-law, Frank Estes.

Her family wrote, "Crow Creek was a favorite gold panning spot where Ronda and her husband, James Knott, spent many wonderful hours panning after their marriage in December 1982.

"Ronda truly loved Alaska life. In addition to gold panning, she enjoyed salmon fishing and camping in the early years, and gardening and yard sale shopping as she got older. In 1985, Jim's work took them to Sacramento, Calif., where they had resided after his retirement."

Mrs. Knott is survived by her husband, James Knott; step-daughter, Pamela Knott; son, Sam T. Beaty, daughter-in-law; Holly Vanek-Beaty; daughter, Susan Beaty-Slover; grandchildren Joshua, Jesseca, Gabriel, Sharon, Brandi and Robert; great-grandson, Michael; sister, Norma Hughes; and brothers Wayne and Gary Moran of Alabama.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Mat-Su, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla, AK 99654.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.