Arlene Knock

Arlene Knock of Cooper Landing died peacefully in Anchorage after a long illness. Tom Knock, her husband of 53 years, was by her side.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer in Cooper Landing.

Arlene was born the youngest of three girls on a small ranch in Craig, Colo., in 1931. She graduated from Northern Colorado University and met her future husband, Tom, when she came home for a visit and found her bedroom had been rented out to the young geophysicist on a seismic crew.

Arlene spent the early years of her marriage constantly moving, as dictated by the oil company Tom worked for. The young family lived in 10 western states and 23 different cities before settling in Anchorage in 1969.

Through those traveling years, Arlene was adept at reaching out and gathering new friends. While her children attended school, Arlene worked for the Anchorage School District at Wendler Middle School and Bartlett High School for many years. She and Tom moved out of state one more time, in 1985, returning in 1989 to settle and retire in Cooper Landing.

Arlene loved the numerous friendships she was part of along the way, living close to nature, cooking, reading, gardening, quilting and spoiling her family and pets. She felt blessed that her family lived close by and visited often. Her grandkids were always excited to visit for the batches of the freshly baked cookies she always had on hand and the games and crafts she always had time for.

Her husband, Tom, will remember her for her mischievous smile, patience and humor in their many years of marriage.

In retirement, Arlene and Tom were able to travel extensively both domestically and internationally, following their love of visiting new places.

Arlene volunteered many hours in the Cooper Landing community, at the Community Library, Cooper Landing School, Historical Society and any event where a smile and willing hands were needed. She was a PEO member for many years and volunteered at the Anchorage and Casper, Wyo., hospitals.

According to family and friends, "Arlene will be missed greatly. She was an inspiration and taught us how to live with dignity, kindness and humility, especially the last few years of her life as she battled her illness."

Arlene was preceded in death by her infant son, Brian; parents, Blanche and Art Woodbury; and sister, Ruth Lewis.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; sister, Eda Carter of Colorado; daughter, Kelly Tyner (Brett); and grandchildren, Ashley, Heather and Allison Tyner; son, Doug (Jodette); and grandchildren, Bryce and Grace; and son Geoff (Marise), all of Anchorage.