Lola Ann Goucher

Lola Ann Goucher, 52 of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully at home on September 11, surrounded by her loving family.  Lola had battled cancer courageously for four years prior to her death.  

 

Lola was born on November 27, 1972, in Everett, Washington to Richard Warren Spromberg and Roxie Irene Tibbatts.  Lola had an active and carefree childhood in Ketchikan, Alaska, where her father worked on the Alaska Marine Highway.  As a child, Lola enjoyed playing the violin and always looked forward to summer vacations with her parents and four siblings.  After taking the Marine Highway to Seattle, the family would explore the Pacific Coast, making it as far South as Los Angeles and Disneyland.   

 

Lola graduated from Ketchikan High School in 1990 and went to work in the burgeoning Ketchikan hospitality industry for several years. While working at Annabelle’s and The Landing Hotel and restaurant in Ketchikan, Lola was known for her kind and outgoing personality and made lasting friendships with her coworkers, regular patrons, and cruise ship tourists, treating them all like family.  Years later, as she prepared to depart Ketchikan for new adventures, her “regulars” gave a standing offer of a plane ticket back should she ever wish to return.  

 

In 2001, Lola met her future spouse, Dr. Ben Massey Jr. Immediately inseparable, they soon moved to Anchorage and spent the next 24 years raising their family in Alaska and Georgia. Above all, Lola was a loving and nurturing mother to Dylan, Teagan, Jim and Jack.  A stay-at-home mom, she loved to cook Alaskan game and fish, and her moose meatballs were a longtime family favorite. Neighborhood kids still remember Lola serving fresh baked cookies on the deck during warm summer days.

 

Traveling and spending time with family were Lola’s true passions.  Her love for youth baseball afforded her the opportunity to do both.  Summers were spent cheering on the Mariners at Abbott O’Rabbit little league in Anchorage or RV camping at Alaska Drillers tournaments in Fairbanks, Kenai and Palmer.  Winters promised temperate escapes to tournaments in Phoenix, Houston, and Las Vegas.  Lola loved the camaraderie amongst the players and parents of both organizations, and it was during these exciting times that she cultivated many deep friendships that she cherished for the rest of her life. Other travels that Lola enjoyed included visiting her in-laws on the Georgia Coast and several family trips to Hawaii. 

 

In 2021, Lola, who had never smoked, was diagnosed with an uncommon form of lung cancer that predominantly affects women and non-smokers.  

 

Her brave fight against the disease was an inspiration to her family, friends and caregivers.  Lola was truly one of a kind. She will always be remembered for her kindness, warmth and her unwavering devotion to her family.

 

Lola was preceded in death by her Parents, Richard and Renee.

 

She is survived by husband Ben, Children Dylan Goucher of Ketchikan, Teagan Thomas of Anchorage, Jim age 16 and Jack age 13.  Sisters Vela (Dane) Mattson, Roxie Duckworth, Otto Spromberg and Bonnie Bromley

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Exon 20 Group or Abbott O’Rabbit Little League.  

 

A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.