Life-long Homer resident, Pearl Elizabeth “Betty” Saling died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006, at South Peninsula Hospital from complications from pneumonia. She was 87.
Mrs. Saling was born April 7, 1919, to Frank Leo and Esther Elizabeth (Biery) McCarthy in Thane, Alaska. She moved with her family to Wisconsin, where she graduated from Shawano High School June 1, 1938. She received a two-year degree at Kinman Business University in Spokane, Wash.
Saling was employed in Washington, D.C. and Kansas City, Kan. in the War Department from 1940 to 1942. On December 12, 1942, she married James D. Saling. On April 16, 1955 she moved to Homer, where she worked for Inlet Taxi, Wild Berry Products, Bank of Homer, South Peninsula Hospital, and Homer High School. She also assisted with the family business, Saling Marine and Saling Saw Shop.
Saling was a lifetime member of the Homer Emblem Club #350, American Legion Auxiliary Post #16 and a member of the Pioneer’s of Alaska, Igloo #14. She loved to donate handcrafted items to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Homer’s Share the Spirit. She loved to knit and crochet. She enjoyed playing cribbage, pinochle, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, music of all kinds and loved playing piano and organ.
The family wrote, “Our mother was warm and endearing to all who knew her. Her feisty, colorful personality was often accompanied by a twinkle in her eyes. As a mother she was loving, supporting and helpful. She delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they brought her great joy. She generously gave of her knitted and crocheted items and always said, “Every stitch is a hug.” She left us with a lot of hugs.”
Saling was preceded in death by her husband James D. Saling and her daughter, Isla E. Ledbetter.
Pearl is survived by her daughters, Sandra L. Glidden of Homer and Esther M. Harvey and her husband, Larry W., of Soldotna; son, James H. Saling of Homer; sister, Lillis Perkins of Shelton, Wash.; granddaughters, Pearl E. Ledbetter of Soldotna, Karen E. Miller of Silverdale, Wash., Eva M. Dyal of Corona, Calif., Virginia M. Miller of Fernley, Nev. and Kelly Frog Glidden of Homer; grandsons, Aaron J. Glidden of Homer, James D. and John P. Saling of Anacortes, Wash. and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Homer, P.O. Box 4174 Homer, AK 99603 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101.
Arrangements were made by the Homer Funeral Home.
Information about fire, police and troopers is taken from public records consisting of logbooks and press releases.
A memorial service is 3:00 p.m., Saturday, at the Homer Elks Lodge. The Homer Emblem Club, assisted by American Legion Auxiliary Post #16 and Pioneers of Alaska, will be officiating. A gathering will follow the service. Mrs. Saling’s ashes will be scattered at a later date. 
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