Judith Schoephorster

Lifelong Alaska resident Judith Eileen Schoephorster, 54, died Dec. 3, 2010, at home in Sutton.

A service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Alpine Inn in Sutton.

Judith was born Feb. 2, 1956, in Palmer, in the Territory of Alaska and raised by her parents at the family's homestead by the base of Pioneer Peak, before moving out to Sutton.

She graduated from Palmer High School, class of 1974.

Judith worked as a baker and cook in many local restaurants and cafes throughout the Matanuska Valley. In 1990-91, she worked as a baker and breakfast cook for the Doyon Corp. on the North Slope. Before her retirement, she worked as a bartender at the Alpine Inn in Sutton. She retired in 1993.

Judi worked as a volunteer for many community functions, never asking for anything in return, but was awarded citations and certificates of gratitude often. One of her most prized thank-you notes came personally from Gov. Steve Cowper for a special cake that she baked when he and his wife visited Sutton.

Judi enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends, all types of outdoor activities, halibut fishing, clam digging, dipnetting at the Copper River, caribou hunting and berry picking.

Judi had an open door and an open heart to anyone in need of anything. Many wayward teens found a temporary home and refuge, and she welcomed all with open arms a hot meal and a roof over their heads. She was known by many as "Mom," "Aunt Judi" or "Grandma Judi."

She is survived by her husband, Kurt Schoephorster of Sutton; son, Zachary Schoephorster of Sutton; daughter, Erin Schoephorster of Anchorage; grandson Gage Schoephorster of Sutton; granddaughter, Tara Schoephorster of Sutton; granddaughter, Abigail Harrold of Anchorage; brother, Mark Simpson of Butte; sister, Ree Moffitt of Butte; sister, Gail Burkhart of Hatcher Pass; and many children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends directly related or part of her extended family.

Arrangements are with Legacy Funeral Homes, Kehl's Palmer Chapel.