Russell Winston Sanders

Russell Winston Sanders, 88, died March 9, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer due to complications of a stroke.

A service is at 6 p.m., March 22 at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 Check St., in Wasilla. His ashes will be scattered on Pioneer Peak.

Russell was born Aug. 21, 1924, in Camilla, Ga. He served in the U.S. Army from December 1940 to October 1944. He retired from the Civil Service. The Alaska Legislature honored him on April 10, 2010, for his volunteerism.

Russell was a wonderful friend to anyone in need. He gave all he had to anyone who needed him, from his work with the Shriners and the Masons to the stranger on the street whom he thought might be in need. He helped numerous people — too numerous to list. He was a loving husband to his wife of 23 years and was a wonderful caretaker and provider. Russell loved with his whole heart. He will be truly missed by his family and many friends.

He was a 33rd-degree Mason, member of the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Al Aska Shriners. He was a past Master of Matanuska Lodge No. 7, as well as a past Worthy Patron of Eastern Star. Russell also enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Bette Stratton of Palmer; stepmother, Carlene Sanders of Wasilla; sisters, Marjorie Hubbard and family of Palmer, and Tanya Kotrys and family of Sun City, Ariz.; stepsisters, Linda Morey of Casa Grande, Ariz., and Juanita Hembree of Kansas; stepbrother, Larry Hembree of Anchorage; and stepdaughter, Linda Terry of Eagle River.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Annie Bell Palmer; father, James C. Sanders; brothers, Eddie Sanders and James T. Sanders; sisters, Gloria Hughes and Eugenia Sanders; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory.