Louise Luke

Loving mother, grandmother, auntie and friend Louise Luke passedÿinto the arms of our Lord at her home in Anchorage on Jan. 12,ÿ2014.ÿLouise Luke was born in George Lake on Nov. 28,ÿ1945.ÿHer parents were the late Frank and Lucy Sam Luke, who movedÿfrom George Lake in the late 1940s, so their children could attendÿschool. They built their home in the old village of Tanacross, raisingÿtheir remaining children, Logan, John and Louise.ÿLouise is of theÿNaltse'en Clan. Her father is from Goodpaster River, and her motherÿis from Sam Creek. Her grandfathers were Chief Luke and Chief Sam.ÿSheÿwas known as the smart student, following her older brothers to theÿschoolhouse before she was of school age. She told stories of dog mushing for work and play. She also was known for her baked pies, thusÿa nickname of "Cherry Pie." After high school, Louise attendedÿvocational training, only returning home to take care of her parents.In 1975, the village was moved across the Tanana River to present dayÿTanacross. Louise sewed curtains, pillow cases and bedding sheets forÿtheir new home, as well as homemade decorations for the holidays. Sheÿworked for the state of Alaska as a part-time fee agent.ÿLouise raisedÿand taught her children the meaning of Native culture, the value ofÿeducation and significance of military service. She was a fluentÿspeaker in her native language. She always spoke and encouraged herÿchildren to honor the values of love, respect, faith and patience.She later moved to Healy Lake to her log cabin, where she did beadworkÿto pass the long winters and enjoyed the summers of berry picking,ÿboat rides and Native foods. Later, Louise moved to Fairbanks to beÿcloser to her children and grandchildren. She loved spending timeÿplaying cards and board games or baking cookies with them. She enjoyedÿwatching western movies, playing bingo and watching dog races.Through her oral stories, it is no surprise that her grown childrenÿfollowed her teachings. Her son, Gary, served in the U.S. Army for fourÿyears, stationed in Germany, and is working in the oil spill responseÿindustry; her daughter Ada earned her bachelor's and master's degrees inÿbusiness and is working in the oil industry, and her daughter Anita is anÿAthabascan beadwork artist.ÿLouise moved to Anchorage in April 2010ÿfor health care reasons.She is survived by her beautiful children,ÿGary, of Anchorage; Ada (Charles Jr.), of Anchorage; Anita, of Fairbanks;ÿgrandchildren, Athena, Charles III, Cameron and Amber, of Anchorage;ÿand Pamela and Anthony Jr., of Fairbanks, along with her nephew, Norvin, andÿniece, Lily Rose (Davis), and her children, Emanuel, Ethan and Renita; andÿnumerous relatives throughout the Interior.ÿShe is preceded in deathÿby her parents, Frank and Lucy, and 10 siblings, Lila, Ada, John,ÿLogan, Joe, Macintosh, Roosevelt, Baby Boy Luke, Bentley and Henry.Her final resting place will be in Healy Lake. As Louise wouldÿsay, "Hey, good looking."Arrangements by Cremation Society of Alaska.ÿ