Sally Jean Labay

Sally Jean Labay, 70, died Nov. 26, 2016 at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska after a brief battle with cancer. She was with her immediate family at the time of her passing.

Sally was born on Sept. 24, 1946 in Powell, Wyoming, to John and Mary Ellen Ferguson. She graduated from high school in Meeteetse, Wyoming.

Sally first came to Alaska briefly in the late 1960’s with her parents where they lived on the Kenai Peninsula. After leaving Alaska she attended Northwest College in Powell and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she graduated with a B.S. degree in medical records.

Upon graduation Sally returned to Alaska where she worked at the Alaska Native Hospital in downtown Anchorage. While working there she met Joe Labay and they were married on May 18, 1973 at First Baptist Church of Anchorage. After starting a family Sally left her job and devoted herself full-time to being with those closest to her.

Sally loved Alaska. She took great joy in traveling throughout Alaska and other states. She was passionate about a variety of different crafts such as sewing, knitting, quilting, and embroidery. She also devoted much of her time and effort to the music and other ministries at First Baptist Church of Birchwood where she played the saxophone and sang in the choir.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years Joe; son Keith Labay, of Palmer; brother Robert (LaRae) Ferguson, of Henderson, Nevada; brother Lynn (Linda) Ferguson, of Brighton, Colorado; brother Edward (Barbara) Ferguson, of Houston, Texas; and several cousins.

Viewing will take place at Legacy Funeral Homes Wasilla Chapel, 1015 South Check St., Wasilla, Alaska 99654. Viewing times will be on Friday December 2nd from noon to 4pm, and Saturday December 3rd from noon to 4pm. Memorial services will be held out of state with family at a later time.