Douglas A. Chandler

Oct 28, 1951 -

Feb 25, 2026

Douglas Alan Chandler, 74, of Kenai, Alaska, passed away at home on Feb. 25, 2026, from vascular dementia.

Doug was born on Oct. 28, 1951, in Lodi, Ohio. He moved with his family to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1957, where he graduated from Dimond High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy, serving on USS Midway-CVA. He lived in both Anchorage and Kenai. Alaska remained the place he loved and called home for the rest of his life.

Doug retired in 2012 in Kenai. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His greatest pride was his family, and he cherished the time spent with them.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wylie Chandler of Soldotna, Alaska,; daughters and sons-in-law, Lindsey and Robert Wolfe of Soldotna, and Samantha and Jason Ness of Sterling, Alaska; grandchildren, Collin Lindley, Zackary Ness, both of Soldotna, Kylie Ness of Palmer, Alaska, and Cody and Kaity Wolfe, both of Soldotna; brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Colleen Clavesilla of Crystal Lake, Ill., and Doug and Catherine Brown of Mount Juliet, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Madge Anderson; and brother, Steve Webb.

Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.

Todd Jay Helms

Jun 1, 1962 -

Jan 9, 2026

Todd Helms of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 9, 2026. He was born in Jacksonville, Fla., to James and (Charlotte) Darlene Helms. Todd graduated from Washington High School in Washington, Ill., joined the U.S. Air Force soon after and trained as a meteorologist, beginning his lifelong love of weather. Todd was a proud Air Force veteran, who served with distinction during the First Gulf War achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Air Force of Achievement Award with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Award with two Bronze Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Short Tour Overseas Ribbon. His time in service along with his military specialty led to him working in Alaska as a meteorologist and ultimately falling in love with the state. He transitioned to the National Weather Service in 1991 and moved to Yakutat beginning his Alaska adventures. Eight years later, Todd moved to King Salmon and finally Anchorage. After retiring from the NWS, he started a second career with the IT department at First National Bank Alaska for almost 20 years before retiring in 2022.

Todd was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bruce Helms; son, Nicholas Helms; grandson, Benjamin Austin; and two of the best rescue dogs a man could wish for: Chena and Kirby.

Todd is survived by his wife of 25 years, Angela Helms; and their blended family of four children: son, Nathaniel Helms of Joliette, Ill.; son, Joshua Austin (Kiersten) of JBER; daughter, Rose Bingham (Josh) of Tecumseh, Okla.; and daughter, Toni Kynard (Michael) of Kodiak. Todd loved his two granddaughters who were the light of his life, Emma Bingham and Charlotte Austin. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Sharon Autrey of Shawnee, Okla.; stepmother, Katheen Helms of Washington; and many family members in the Lower 48 states.

Todd was a member of Anchorage Grace Church, the family sends a special thank you to his good friend Michael. Todd enjoyed cutting down trees with his friend Ed and providing free firewood to others. He also spent time volunteering at the American Legion with his friend Alan. Todd found delight in riding his Harley Davidson roundtrip to Girdwood, often accompanied by Kirby in his luxury dog bag.

Todd will be laid to rest at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, Alaska. A service and celebration of life is planned for summer 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donating to WarDogs Making it Home, https://wardogsmakingithome.org.

Craig Johnson

Nov 22, 1953 -

Feb 26, 2026

Craig Johnson passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 72, surrounded by his family. Born in Kermit, Texas, Craig attended Oklahoma State University where he played football - Go Cowboys! - before driving to Alaska in 1977 with plans to work on the new pipeline; he did not make it past Anchorage after meeting his future wife, Nancy. They were married for 47 years and his respect and adoration for her was noted by all.

Craig spent his early years in Alaska working in radio, starting the KYMG station, and later as the General Manager of Morrison Communications. He also served in Juneau, Alaska, in multiple roles, most recently as a State Representative for South Anchorage for 12 years. He often expressed he wanted only to leave Alaska in better shape than he found it. In retirement, Craig was able to spend time with his two grandchildren, whom he adored beyond measure.

Craig built an Alaskan family that extended well past his blood relations. From those he met during his first days in Alaska to his daughters' friends who had the benefit of a surrogate dad, he deeply valued these relationships and we are all better for having him in our lives. Craig will be remembered by those who truly knew him for his sense of humor and his fierce love of his family.

Craig is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and LaVon; and three brothers, Jerry, Duke and Bruce.

Craig is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Erin and Jenna; son-in-law, Josh; and grandchildren, Grace and Hunter.

A celebration of life will be held on March 7, 2026, at Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus, 440 E. Klatt Road in Anchorage, starting at 10 a.m.

Robert Dennis Maxwell Jr.

Apr 9, 1957 -

Mar 1, 2026

With a heart that was steadfast, generous and central to so many lives, Bob Maxwell spent a lifetime giving deeply to others. On March 1, 2026, that same great heart came to rest.

Bob was born at Ladd Air Force Base outside Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1957 to Bob and Lee Maxwell. The family called him "Bobby" to distinguish him from his father. His father made a career in the military, and his mother was a Texas farm girl, so there were always horses in their lives. The family moved frequently from one military base to another, but they always lived off base on horse properties. It was there that Bob first learned his construction skills, helping build barns for the family's horses.

Bob attended 12 schools in 12 years before graduating from Platteview High School in Springfield, Neb., in 1975. After graduation, he moved to Omaha, Neb., for a year, earning $1.90 an hour at Pizza Hut, before continuing on to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1976.

In Fairbanks, he attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks for two semesters before being drawn into the construction industry. He worked a variety of jobs in the area, cooking in the winters and working construction in the summers, including putting down pits for gold processing at the Fort Knox Gold Mine.

Like much of his life, Bob wore many hats, working in gas stations and convenience stores while developing a deep appreciation for the rivers around Fairbanks. He made many trips down the Chena, Chatanika and Tanana rivers, and eventually the Gulkana River.

Bob met Marcia in 2000 in a ceramics class at UAA. They got married at Canyon Rapids on the Gulkana River, which Bob called his little slice of Heaven.

Bob had a soft spot for Marcia's menagerie of pets because he knew how important they were to her. He always said he never had any pets of his own, but several of the menagerie claimed him as theirs.

Everyone who knew Bob knew he could be competitive, whether it was sports, design build competitions or outhouse races. He devoted himself to 20 years as director of the Fur Rondy Outhouse Races in Anchorage, Alaska, and said he built easily 30 outhouses. Bob loved softball, flag football and basketball.

Bob will always be remembered for his mentor's heart. He lead by example and had a seemingly magical way of drawing out the best from everyone around him without them even realizing it. He had many "Bob-isms." We'll always imagine hearing him saying "We do it nice, 'cause we do it twice" one more time.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Lee Maxwell; and uncle, Joe Tremerillo. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; sons, Dean and Robert; daughters, Wendy, Stormey and Robi; grandchildren, Kaylee, Neveah, Isaac, Andrew, Ashlyn, Alsta, Killian, Shylah, Tyler, Sunday, Aryas and Lochlan; great-grandson, Porter; Aunt Ann; sisters, Ann, Patricia and Mary; and cousin, Richard.

On Feb. 21, 2026, Bob shared memories and farewells while surrounded by friends and family in Anchorage.

In lieu of flowers please consider a live, cat-friendly, plant. Deliveries can be directed to the Security Office at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 West 6th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. The Security Office is located on 5th Avenue at G Street.

Caroline Sue Ratcliffe

Aug 11, 1940 -

Feb 27, 2026

Caroline Sue (Cox) Ratcliffe died on Feb. 27, 2026.

Caroline was born in Columbus, Ohio. She was preceded in death by older half-brother, Jay; two older brothers, Roger and Howard; and younger sister, Martha. She was a Girl Scout and enjoyed playing the clarinet in the marching band. In 1958, she came to Alaska with her older brother, Roger, and his wife, Norma. She attended college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She spent the school year on campus and worked summers at Denali Park. She met her husband, Layne Ratcliffe, the first week at school playing pinochle where Layne winked at her. For their first date Layne took her rabbit hunting. He continued to impress her by flying to visit her when she worked summers at Denali Park.

After earning a degree in home economics, she and Layne were married and started their family. They raised their family in the Alaskan lifestyle: camping, flying to their cabin and fishing in Seward. When the kids were older, she worked for the Anchorage School District Food Service. Caroline enjoyed sewing, cooking and gardening, and always had a dog by her side.

She and Layne made the most of retirement, traveling and visiting friends and family. She and her husband went everywhere together until he passed. Caroline enjoyed visiting relatives, attending church, going out with friends from the Winsome Widows group and talking to her sister Mary. Caroline was a warm, happy and devoted person who always had a smile. She will be missed by all.

She is survived by her sister, Mary (Curtis) Simon; children, Dale (Debbie) Ratcliffe, Ken (Susan) Ratcliffe, both of Anchorage, Alaska, and June (Colin) Miller of Eugene, Ore.; grandchildren, Jamie (Lindsey) Miller, Kelsey (Reid) Davis, Kristen (Dan) Taylor, Trenton Ratcliffe, Aaron Miller, Casey Miller and Heidi Ratcliffe; and great-grandchildren, Theodore Taylor, Logan Davis, Naomi Taylor, Levi Davis, Mabel Taylor and Brooke Davis.

A celebration of life service will be held on March 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Jewel Lake Parish, 3833 Strawberry Road in Anchorage.

William Walter Updegrove

Nov 12, 1945 -

Mar 2, 2026

William Walter Updegrove joined his sister Kathryn and parents Grace and Henry Updegrove of Teaneck, N.J., on Nov. 12, 1945. Marching band and Young Life Club highlighted his Teaneck High years. He studied history, earned a B.A. from University of Michigan, and an M.A. from University of Wisconsin Madison. Will's 1969-1972 Army tour included Chinese-Mandarin language training, then Army Security service as translator-interpreter in Okinawa. With his language training, he taught American history and English at Taiwan's National Cheng-kung University and Tainan Theological College, 1972-1973.

Back in the USA, he entered Christian service: ministerial assistant at Second Reformed Church in Hackensack, N.J.; Kirkland Covenant Church youth leader while at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.; and trail crew cook and leader of Sunday services in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He earned a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Ill., where he met his future bride, Shari Neth.

Will first pastored at Mead Covenant Church in Nebraska, 1979-1984. He arrived single, and left for Bethel, Alaska, with wife Shari; two adopted teenagers, Troy and Sharon Kelley; and infant son Craig for "two years."

"Two years" became 35, during which son Daniel was born in Bethel. Will held various positions - including foster parent, grandfather and great-grandfather: pastor of both Covenant and Moravian Churches, dean of the Moravian Seminary, instructor at the Kuskokwim Campus of University of Alaska Fairbanks; and member of the Lower Kuskokwim School District Board, helping found Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Yup'ik language immersion program, ongoing since 1995. Health issues required leaving Bethel and moving to Anchorage in 2020. He is remembered for his kindness, great cooking, dry sense of humor and his people-centered, justice-focused political views.

Much-loved, Will died peacefully at home on March 2, 2026.

Jack Windsor

Feb 18, 1936 -

Feb 20, 2026

Jack Windsor of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on Feb. 20, 2026, two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Jack and his beloved wife, Diane, made Alaska their home in 1962, building a life rooted in faith, family and community. Jack and Diane were married for 69 wonderful years, a testament to their enduring love and devotion. They raised three children, Greg Windsor, Laura (Windsor) Dagon and Jeff Windsor, and were blessed with two granddaughters, Brittni Renner and Brielle Dagon.

For 20 years, he proudly served his country, retiring as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Following his military career, he worked in sales, where his friendly nature and easy conversation earned him the respect and friendship of many.

Known by all as kind and helpful, Jack had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make others laugh. He enjoyed fellowship and hospitality at his Catholic church and valued the friendships he formed there. In retirement, he stayed busy working on projects around their home. He loved bowling and was known for being a winner at the card table.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 7, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Anchorage.

Shirley Ann Wineberg Moe

Jan 20, 1932 -

Feb 23, 2026

Shirley, born on Jan. 20, 1932, in Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 94.

On Nov. 27, 1952, Shirley married Gene Axel Moe in Minnesota. After earning her teaching degree from Mankato University, Minnesota, she joined Gene in Anchorage in May 1953. It was a decision that marked the beginning of a life devoted to building — building a family, a business, a church and a lasting foundation in Alaska. She instantly fell in love with Alaska and its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife.

Shirley began her professional career teaching at Lake Otis Elementary School before founding M & M Contractors with Gene in 1959. She was a disciplined and determined businesswoman, a true partner in building something that would endure. She believed in hard work. She did not seek attention, but she expected strength — from herself and from those around her.

Her love was fierce, though often quiet. It was expressed not in grand displays, but in steadfast loyalty, protective care and unwavering commitment. She stood firm for what she believed in and for those she loved.

Shirley was deeply grounded in her Christian faith and was instrumental in the founding of Baxter Road Bible Church. She also devoted significant time and leadership to Sons of Norway and the building of Viking Hall. She helped lay foundations that would continue long after her — foundations of faith, heritage and conviction.

Shirley and Gene raised four children: Karl (Vicki) Moe, Jane Moe Newby, Heidi (Tony) Coop and Eric Moe. She also leaves behind her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She taught by example that faith is lived, not merely spoken. That strength is quiet but immovable. That love is proven through loyalty and endurance.

A celebration of life will be held at Son's of Norway Viking Hall in Anchorage at 4 p.m., on April 24, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sons of Norway Youth Scholarship or Young Lives of Anchorage.

Ingrid Woodard

Mar 10, 1936 -

Feb 25, 2026

Ingrid Woodard passed away peacefully at home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Feb. 25, 2026. She was born on March 10, 1936, in Berlin, Germany.

Ingrid was raised in Berlin during World War II, and in 1945 they moved to Konigsberg/Bavaria Germany.

She attended the university in Wurzburg, where she graduated as a medical technician for x-rays and labs. She met Ray Woodard as an American student at the university. They married and started their family. Dierk Woodard was born in Germany. They moved to Michigan in 1961, where Gordon Woodard was born. In 1963, Bettina Woodard Baron was born in Mississippi. Ray was a geophysicist and they moved to Anchorage in 1969.

Ingrid was a stay-at-home mom. She volunteered at the school, at the Native Hospital holding sick babies and then as a curator at the Anchorage Fine Arts Museum.

In 1986, Ingrid and Ray parted ways amicably. She started working at Habitat in the University Mall. Then, she went on to work at Salvation Army Meal-Site Manager at Chugach Manor.

She discovered a new love for dancing. She met Dale Dryden, in 1994, at one of the dances. They married in 2000. They also enjoyed driving around Alaska in Model A cars and working in her garden. Ingrid always had an amazing green thumb.

Ingrid was proud of her grandchildren and always looked happiest holding a baby. Dierk: Joshua (Maggie) and Kali; Gordon: Kirsten (Kaarle) Sylvie, Grant, Annette (Zach) Estelle, Camille and Dana; Bettina: Alexandra; and Dale's daughter, Desiree (Chris) Adele and Elaina.

Mom's wishes were to have her family gather to sprinkle her ashes in her beautiful flowers.

Rest in peace, Mom. We love you!