Vanita Pearl Thurmond

Vanita P Thurmond, 87, passed away at her apartment in Homer, Alaska with family by her side. She was born in Rexburg, Idaho and moved to Alaska in 1950 at the age of 12 with her parents, Frank and Wanda Loosli and siblings Diamond and John. They settled in Anchor Point, homesteading off the Old Sterling Highway. She met the love of her life a few years later and in 1953 she married Clinton D. Thurmond. They had 3 children, Susan, Bill and Elaine.

In her younger years she was active in many community events, the Homemakers Association as well as a Timekeeper for the Dog Mushing events held every winter. Clint taught her how to play the guitar and a few years later they started a band and played music for dances, potlucks and many community events for several years.

In 1968 she and Clint built a gas station and auto shop in Anchor Point, known then as Thurmond’s Texaco. In 1979 they sold it and moved to Blackburn, Clint’s birthplace on the Yukon River. They built a cabin there and commercial fished for several years. While residing there they opened their home to anyone traveling through. They were a checkpoint for the lditarod dog mushing teams and she being an excellent cook, would bake bread and have hot meals and desserts ready for the mushers when they arrived.

Vanita was a generous and loving woman with a joyous free spirit. She was the heart of our family.

Her wisdom and unconditional love were freely given to anyone needing guidance or friendship. A wonderful confidante. She was an inspiration to many and even in her tough days she still smiled, said kind words and remained resilient. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In the many lives she touched her memory will live on. She left a beautiful legacy.

Preceding her in death were her Husband, Clinton D. Thurmond, Son, William D. Thurmond, Daughter, Susan M. Kyllonen. Her Parents, Frank and Wanda Loosi and Brothers Diamond and John Loosli.

She is survived by her daughter, Elaine L Griner (Dale), Granddaughters; Brandi Blauvelt (Walt), Chevonne Clark (Tom) all residing in Anchor Point. Heather Rucker (Scott) Kenai, AK, Autumn Clarkson (Matt) Anchorage, AK, Danelle Thurmond (Ricky) Lafayette, CO, and Grandsons: Darrin Alexander (Jodi), Derek Griner (Jocelyn) residing in Anchor Point, Garret Griner (Gale) Anchorage, AK, Wade Thurmond (Erina) St. Augustine, FL, Nick Thurmond (Sammy) Broomfield, CO, and her Brother, Frank Loosli Nininchik, AK and her Sister, Penny Owens Kenai, AK. 26 great-Grandchildren and 6 Great, Great Grandchildren as well as many Neices and Nephews.

Per her request there will be no services. A Private burial for her ashes will be held this coming summer. If you would like to donate in her memory, APSCA, St Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society are organizations she supported.

Arrangements made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel & Crematory.