Therese Judith “Terri” Nakutis

Therese “Terri” (Burke) Nakutis, 49, of Trapper Creek died Oct. 27, 2012, at Forget-Me-Not Assisted Living Home in Anchorage after a lengthy illness.

Terri was born Dec. 4, 1962, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Charles E. and Ruth K. (Jackson) Burke.

While not an Alaskan by birth, for the last 19 years Terri called the Last Frontier her home. Most of that time was spent in the Upper Susitna Valley where Terri worked at the Talkeetna Motel, Sunshine Restaurant, H&H, Big Su Lodge, Forks Roadhouse and, lastly, Cache Creek Lodge in Trapper Creek.

Terri was known for being forthright, honest, loyal and a hard worker. Creative and artistic, she made and gave away peanut butter birdfeeders to her friends and signed her receipts with a funny Betty Boop face. She freely volunteered her time to the community; to the Trapper Creek Park, where she walked with her dog Pharaoh; and to anyone of her Alaskan family who needed help or advice. We will miss Terri’s comfort in our times of need and remember her smile in those times of joy.

Surviving are her son, William Paul (Rebecca) Nakutis III; grandson, Langdon of Clayton, N.C.; son, Nathaniel Lincoln Nakutis of Knightsdale, N.C.; brothers, Charles (Virginia) Burke of Berea, Ohio, and James (Patricia) Burke of Attleboro, Mass.; and by many uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and daughter, Meagan Michelle Nakutis.

A celebration of life and potluck for friends is at 2 p.m., Nov. 10 at the Big Su Lodge, Milepost 104, Parks Highway.

According to her wishes, Terri’s ashes will be scattered in the Trapper Creek area.

The Cremation Society of Alaska, Anchorage handled the arrangements.