Betty Jean Irving

Sept. 14, 1921-Dec. 22, 2014

Her last wish fulfilled, Betty Jean Irving, 93, died peacefully in the comfort of her own home in Anchorage on Dec. 22, 2014. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at University Baptist Church in Anchorage. A potluck will follow.

She was born to William and Eda Stadelman in Orchards, Wash., on Sept. 14, 1921. As a child Betty learned the value of work and the rewards it offered by growing up on a farm with her sister and three brothers. When the chores were done the kids and their friends spent carefree hours exploring the woods, fashioning their own toys from nature’s offerings, and catching crawfish in the creek.

While attending Washington State University, Betty met and married the love of her life, Donald R. Irving. Together they built and operated a turkey farm on the same homestead she lived on as a child. For 27 years they hatched, raised, processed and sold oven-ready turkeys on their farm. Over these years they nurtured and raised five children, one with special needs.

In their retirement years Betty and Don traveled to Alaska enjoying the camaraderie of friends and family, fishing and clamming, and the scenic beauty of the Kenai Peninsula. In 1986 they made Anchorage their permanent home, retreating to Ninilchik and Anchor Point for summertime fun.

Betty was proud of her solid German-Swiss heritage and valued a strong work ethic. She was an artist, a writer, a seamstress, a Sunday School teacher and a gardener. She loved family and friends, a good steak and sharing a good laugh. She spread a little joy to everyone around her and generously helped people in need. She had a deep faith in God and received guidance, comfort and many blessings from him.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don; son, John, and grandson, Andy Conn. She is survived by her children, Mike Irving and wife Ev of Henderson, Nev., Linda Quigley and husband Steve of Eagle River, Nancy Crockett of Eagle River, and Jo Johnson and husband Tony of Anchor Point; grandchildren, Jay Irving, Wendy Looney, Jasmine Carter, Sam Quigley, Matthew Conn, Autumn Anthony, Chaz Johnson and Garrett Johnson; and five great-grandchildren.