Obituary: Florence Imogene Petticrew

Florence Imogene Petticrew passed away on September 8, 2011.

Imogene was born in Arcata, CA on February 27, 1916, to parents Charles A. and Lyra C. Dahle West.

Imogene had one sibling; a brother, Alfred C. “Tim” West who joined the family two years later and the two became the best of friends.

Imogene moved to Petersburg Ak in 1919 at the age of 3, where her father was employed as a wharfinger for Alaska Steam Ship Lines.

Imogene attended school in Petersburg and subsequently met and married Ethan W. “Joe” Petticrew Sr., in 1932 and moved to Wrangell.

Imogene and Joe lived the remainder of their years in Wrangell, raising their family. Joe fished and skippered tugboats; Imogene joined him in these endeavors after their children were grown.

Imogene spent her entire life devoted to her husband and her six children. She was an exemplary homemaker; sewing, cooking, and canning; she always said that in order for baked items to taste the best, “you never, ever skimp on the ingredients.”

Imogene never wavered in her steadfastness to her children or friends; they were of the utmost importance to her. She always encouraged others to follow through on their endeavors, dreams, and desires, opening her home to whoever needed a safe haven.

Although Imogene was afflicted with blindness at an early age, she never let this put restrictions on her.

In addition to raising a large family, Imogene was the chief cook at Bishop Rowe Hospital in the 60’s. She was a member of the Emblem Club in her earlier years and was one of the past presidents of the Pioneers, memorizing her lines for the initiation of those coming into the organization.

Imogene was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson Shane C. Frank, her daughter Alora J. Petticrew Gunderson, her brother Tim, her husband Ethan “Joey” Petticrew and her granddaughter Wenda LeeJean Gunderson.

Imogene is survived by five of her six children: Ethan W. Petticrew Jr., Rhoda “Rose” Petticrew Fotchtman, Joanna M. Petticrew (Dennis) Anderson, Charles J. (Jean) Petticrew Sr., Lyra R. Petticrew and many grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as one great, great grandchild.

Imogene was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed by those who shared their life’s moments with her.

Imogene was interred in Sunset Gardens, Wrangell beside here beloved husband “Joey.”

Our dearest Leendee, we will meet again.