VIRGINIA M. JAPP

Virginia M. Japp, 83, died Monday, Jan. 27, 2003, at her home in Palmer. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge #793, 1136 S. Cobb St. in Palmer.

Virginia was a 42-year resident of Alaska. She was primarily a homemaker and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, bowling, reading, piano and camping. She was the first woman to become a council member when Wasilla was incorporated as a city. Other endeavors included banking, and she was owner of Green Acres Bar and Restaurant at Wasilla Lake in the 1960s.

Her family said, "She was a great person who will be greatly missed by family and friends."

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Elmer "Bud" Japp of Palmer; daughter Sharon Birdsell of Seattle, Wash.; granddaughter and her husband, Tanya and King Brown of Lander, Wyo.; grandson and his wife, Troy "Tab" and Elizabeth Birdsell of Seattle, Wash.; four great-grandchildren, Caitlin Brown, Keisha Birdsell, Jordyn Virginia Birdsell and Noah Hernandez (Brown). She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Gen and Jep Garrigus of Grants Pass, Ore., and her brother and sister-in-law Ernie and Norma Wilson of Portland, Ore.; and also by her faithful canine companion Taz.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Mat-Su, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla AK 99654, or with the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.