Lea Anne York (Barela), age 59, passed away from natural causes while surrounded by loved ones on June 11, 2024.
Born to Carol and Gilbert Barela, Lea Anne grew up in Globe, Arizona, with her seven siblings. As a military wife, she spent most of her early adult life traveling until the summer of 1997, when she and her former husband, Bill, settled their family in Wasilla, Alaska.
Lea Anne, a woman of unique spirit, found solace in the vastness of Alaska, joy in gardening, and companionship in her dogs. She was not just a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and wife but a beacon of humor and spontaneity. Her absence will be deeply felt.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Carol Faye Berry; father, Gilbert Chavez Barela; brother, Gilbert “Buddy” Barela; niece, Tennille Deiters; former husband, William Francis McCormick; son-in-law, Steven Ratliff; and her darling Della.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her children, Mandy Barnes, Cassandra Keno, Bobby Mercer, Chelsea Raine (Nicholas) Phelps, and Mac McCormick; five grandchildren; siblings, sister Bonnie (John Zacher), sister Cathy (Wayne Berry), brother Mike (Lisa), sister Sherri Deiters, brother Barry (Sherry), and brother Mark Barela.
