Anita and I recently took a road trip (250 miles) to Healy, Alaska to fulfill a Find A Grave photo request for the headstone picture of Lisa Take. We also wanted to get photos of the headstones for the other people listed on Find A Grave, and add memorials for those that hadn’t yet been added. While we were there we met some awesome ladies, Judy and Jeri, who had spent all day readying this beautiful cemetery for Memorial Day.
The cemetery is located in a picturesque location with amazing views all around, and with the added care from Judy and Jeri, it was just spectacular. I hope you enjoy the views as much as we did.
The Cemetery was located on a dirt road near the town, but tucked into the woods just enough to be peaceful and away from all the commotion of traffic.I just got this car, so maybe I baby it too much, but this muddy water was deeper than it looks, and I didn’t want to risk getting stuck so far from home. So walking it is!Andy was in a big hurry to get there.Entrance sign of Valley View Memorial Cemetery.Amazingly, the first headstone we walked up to was the one we came for. I really like the personal touch of the surround for this headstone.It was around this time that I met Judy and Jeri, who were working hard to set everything up just right for Memorial Day. I got so caught up in conversation, and learning about the history of the cemetery, that I forgot to ask if I could snap a picture of them.This is the dedication monument for Valley View Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery was dedicated only 25 years ago, on May 30, 1988. The three markers are the young people that this cemetery was built in memory of.Lions and Pioneers Monument. Judy and Jeri were volunteers with the Lions Club, an organization whose volunteers help meet the needs of local communities.Headstone of John J. Millich. The views from these resting places were phenomenal.Another beautiful spot. It was especially nice that Judy and Jeri had taken the time to make sure that everyone had flowers.Mother Mary watching over Samuel Kochanowski.Cross for Arlin Scott Menke surrounded by rocks and trinkets carrying messages from loved ones.Closeup of some tokens left for Arlin Scott Menke.Anthony Pollock, one of the young people the cemetery is dedicated to.Headstone for Kim R. White. Attached to the side was a beautiful handwritten poem.Resting place of John Grys. One of the most breathtaking spots I saw.Usibelli family marker, with amazing views behind.Part of a panorama I took showing the spectacular views of this cemetery.Leaving this awesome cemetery was hard to do, but with a four hour drive ahead of us, we had to. We will definitely be back!
I’m from Healy and know and loved dearly almost every person and family represented above.
Samuel is our baby. His intercession is prayed for nearly every night by our other three children. We gave him this name because it means “Called by God.” He died very early and never took a breath. While strange to see my son’s grave on another’s website, this is probably the only public place in which you’ll find his name.
The photo you took is a nice angle – Mt. Healy is just behind his grave. However, Samuel is watched over by our Mother Mary, not an angel.
Every child is a gift from the Lord, every child is a blessing, and every child will forever be carried in the hearts of their mothers – no matter how long their life.
Rest well, Little Samuel. Rejoice in the glory of our Lord and dance with the angels!
“Every good and perfect breath is from above.” James 1:17
Thank you for your comment and for the information regarding Samuels headstone. I corrected the caption to accurately reflect that it is Mother Mary watching over little Samuel.
This cemetery is so beautiful and such a wonderful resting spot for loved ones. The mountain view is just awe inspiring.
Graving is the hobby of:
* exploring cemeteries
* photographing headstones
* recording burials
* discovering genealogy
About Me:
My name is Jenn and I live in Anchorage, Alaska.
I've had a fascination with cemeteries and genealogy ever since I was a child but never really got into it until I came across a site called Find A Grave.
Once I discovered the Find A Grave project and the hobby of graving I realized that I not only could explore my interests but also help people at the same time.
It feels great to be able to help someone find out where their loved ones are buried and send them pictures of the headstone if they can't visit right away.
I've come across a lot of amazing things and adventures while graving so I decided to start this graving blog so I could share it with you.
My name is Jenn and I live in Anchorage, Alaska.
I've had a fascination with cemeteries and genealogy ever since I was a child but never really got into it until I came across a site called Find A Grave.
Once I discovered the Find A Grave project and the hobby of graving I realized that I not only could explore my interests but also help people at the same time.
It feels great to be able to help someone find out where their loved ones are buried and send them pictures of the headstone if they can't visit right away.
I've come across a lot of amazing things and adventures while graving so I decided to start this graving blog so I could share it with you.
I’m from Healy and know and loved dearly almost every person and family represented above.
Samuel is our baby. His intercession is prayed for nearly every night by our other three children. We gave him this name because it means “Called by God.” He died very early and never took a breath. While strange to see my son’s grave on another’s website, this is probably the only public place in which you’ll find his name.
The photo you took is a nice angle – Mt. Healy is just behind his grave. However, Samuel is watched over by our Mother Mary, not an angel.
Every child is a gift from the Lord, every child is a blessing, and every child will forever be carried in the hearts of their mothers – no matter how long their life.
Rest well, Little Samuel. Rejoice in the glory of our Lord and dance with the angels!
“Every good and perfect breath is from above.” James 1:17
Chelsie,
Thank you for your comment and for the information regarding Samuels headstone. I corrected the caption to accurately reflect that it is Mother Mary watching over little Samuel.
This cemetery is so beautiful and such a wonderful resting spot for loved ones. The mountain view is just awe inspiring.
Jenn