Patsy Lee (Maltbie) Speer, 87, peacefully passed away at home in Fairbanks, Alaska, July 26, 2024, with her son and daughter-in- law by her side. Patsy was born February 5, 1937 in Rector, Arkansas.

Patsy lived the first years of her life in Rector with family including three brothers: Herbert, Willard and Thomas and two sisters: Juanita and Leoda, of whom she was the youngest. After she graduated from high school she met the love of her life, Windell Harveston Speer, they wed August 8, 1959 in Hargraves Corner, Arkansas.

In 1970 Windell ventured to Alaska in search of work. In August of 1973 Patsy stepped off the plane in Anchorage to meet up with Windell and their young son Roger, who had spent the summer in Suntrana, she knew she was truly home in Alaska.

The family decided to permanently relocate to the coal mining town of Suntrana, on the outskirts of McKinley National Park. Eventually Suntrana was relocated to the current site of Healy, Alaska.

Patsy enjoyed working as a store clerk at the local KOA. This is where she began a long history of being the welcoming hostess and the first Alaskan that many visitors met.

In the 1980’s Patsy and Windell built and opened one of the first Bed and Breakfast in the area, Pat and Windell’s B&B. Patsy’s breakfast was renowned by both guests and locals who would pop in for a bite of her home cooked meals. She thrived meeting her guests and became a very special memory to many. Patsy lived by the mindset that there were no strangers, only friends not yet met.

Patsy was a devout Christian and had an incredible spirit of giving. She adored her Morning Star Baptist Church family and attended bible studies, services, and was often found in the nursery serving snacks while tending to children. She was very active with AWANA, Childrens’ Church, Vacation Bible School and Team Kids. Patsy participated in a World Changers Mission trip in

Patsy Lee (Maltbie) Speer

Kentucky with her dear friend Angel Hayes where she served by sorting and preparing clothing for children in need.

She enjoyed volunteering at the Tri-Valley School. She was one of the founding members of the booster club and was often seen in the school kitchen preparing and serving meals to visiting teams. She delighted in meeting athletes of all ages. For many years she read stories to children at the local day care. Patsy enjoyed school sports and endured the cold winds and hard bleachers to watch her grandson and other students play sports while cheering on the Tri-Valley Warriors.

She could easily be found chatting over a cup of coffee at the local coffee shops, leading a local 4th of July parade, speaking at the Memorial Day service or sharing her photos of kids, cats and flowers.

Patsy loved to travel with her friends; she was in awe of her surrounding mountains, She found great joy in baking and sharing her treats with the community and was known to pop in with a homemade birthday cake for anyone celebrating. She always had fresh pecans on hand for her delicious pecan pie. Patsy was a tremendous woman and shared her time, love and home with all whom she crossed paths.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Windell, daughter Lavonda, son Ronald, all of her siblings and her granddaughter Wendy Johnson.

She is survived by her son Roger (Amy Reisland-Speer); daughters: Gerhounda (William Hicks) and Shirley; grandchildren: Shelly Ruch, Kenneth Tolson, David Orrison, and Mathias Speer, and many nieces and nephews, and great grandchildren.