RUBY JO GIELOW

Ruby Jo Gielow (Jo Mama), 61, died Aug. 31, 2003, at Providence Extended Care in Anchorage, after a short illness.

A memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Baxter Road Bible Church, 3600 Baxter Road, in Anchorage. Pastor Bob Mather will officiate. Additional services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bossier City, La., on Sept. 7.

Ms. Gielow was born Oct. 23, 1941, in Mt. Clemens, Mich., to Thomas and Clara Struth. She came to Alaska in 1986, first living in Anchorage for 10 years and then Willow for the past seven years.

She worked for Hope Cottages of Anchorage and Mat-Su Services of Wasilla, and was a believer in the Lord. She loved rabbits of all kinds and enjoyed helping others.

According to her family, "Jo Mama loved working with people with disabilities, especially children. She was always willing to help in any way she could, even strangers. Jo Mama had a big loving heart, her family was very important to her, she was very proud of all of them. Between her red hair, big smile and prominent laughter, she could always bring a smile to your face."

She is survived by her sons Donald Wren and wife Carmen of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Charles (Chuck) Gielow and wife Mary of Sutton; daughter Susan Nelson and husband Robert of Anchorage; grandchildren Emilie Wren, William and Heather Burke, Sarah Nelson, Johnathan Babcock and wife Jennifer, Marcy Farris and husband Mike; great-grandchildren Kaleb Babcock and Brielle Farris.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Friends of Pets, P.O. Box 240981, Anchorage AK 99524, or friends can bring a stuffed bunny to the service so it can be donated to shelters for children.

Cards mat be sent to Susan Nelson , P.O. Box 230305, Anchorage AK 99523.

She arranged for her own services with Kehl's Forest Lawn Mortuary and Crematory.