Ella Mary Qanganaq Guest was born in Bethel on July 10, 1985 to Moses and Emma Guest. She was baptized in Kasigluk and her godmother is Maria Nicholas. Ella was raised in Quinhagak where she met the love of her life, David Jones. Tragically, David gained his wings on Ella’s birthday in 2006, shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Mandy.
Ella loved fiercely and openly, wearing her heart on her sleeve. She cherished her children, siblings, parents, and all her cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, near and far. Her faith was an integral part of her life; she often expressed her love for God through gospel music and daily prayers. Ella had a passion for subsistence gathering, enjoying activities like picking berries and greens. While she wasn’t fond of plucking birds, she delighted in eating them and savoring other native delicacies.
Known for her kindness, selflessness, and vibrant personality, Ella embraced new adventures with enthusiasm. She frequently visited friends and family in villages along the coast and the Kuskokwim River. In her later years, she moved to Anchorage where she lived for the last six years of her life, always making an effort to connect with loved ones whenever they were in town.
Ella will be deeply missed and forever carried in our hearts.
Ella is survived by her parents: Moses and Ella Guest, her children: Mandy Jones, Rhianna (Bonnie) Britain, Matthew Guest, Olinka Guest, and her daughter Misha Guest. Her siblings: Verla Kinzy, Dendra Martin, Samantha Hopstad, Charles, Robert, Olivia, Mace, Annmarie (adopted), Moses (Louie), and Elia.
Nieces and nephews: Jayse Cleveland, Sienna Cleveland, Mason Donahuk, Draymond Kusaiak, Ryder Kusaiak, Jamie James, and Sophie James.
Maternal aunts and uncles: Sally Carter, Annie Johnson, Fannie Joshua, Nick Peter Joshua, Louisa Hansen, and John Donahuk. Maternal cousins: Martha Paul, Walter Johnson, Naomi Tinker, Adolph Johnson, Linda Hansen, Samuel Kavlala, Jonathan Johnson, Roy Mark, Phillis Roberts, Patricia Chikoyak, Mitchell Joshua, Carrie Aliralria, John Carter, Grace Sharp, Jessie Carter Jr., and John Crowe.
Paternal aunts and uncles: Xenia Jackson, Martha Guest, Dorothy Eggerman, George Guest, Alex Guest. Paternal cousins: Martha Charles, Irene Thomas, Zach Active, Maureen Nicholas, Sergie Active, Helen Active, Katherine Andrew, Thomas Active, Sheila Roehl, Sandra Guest, Charles Guest, Keane Guest, Christian Beaver, Roderick Jackson, and Yvonne Jackson.
Ella is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Robert and Olinka Donahuk. Paternal grandparents: Archpriest Zachary and Matuska Sophia Guest. Brother Eric Elia Tinker (adopted). Maternal aunts and uncles: Nick Slim, Paul Donahuk, and Ella Mary Donahuk. Maternal cousins: Paul Hansen, Charlene Hansen, Lisa Johnson, and Walter Kavlala. Paternal aunts and uncles: Olga Active, Peter Guest, Yako Guest, Gabriel Guest, Charles Guest Jr., Carol Jackson. Paternal cousins: Krystal Eggerman, Charity Jackson Ward, Janis Guest, and Michael (Bryan) Jackson.
Our Gratitude
The Guest Family would like to extend their gratitude and special thanks to all those who contributed to the farewell and celebration of life for Ella Mary Qanganaq Guest.
First, we would like to say thank you to Qanirtuuq Inc. for the casket and flight to Quinhagak, for food, and lumber for the cross. Quyana to NVK and Calista for your donations for the contributions to funeral expenses, to Kehl’s Legacy Funeral Home, and all those who donated their time, food, and monetary donations that assisted in flight expenses. Quyana to OCS for flying Emma and Mandy to Anchorage to see Emma’s children and to attend the funeral service. Quyana cakneq to those family and friends who helped with fundraising.
We’d also like to thank Sandra Guest for helping pick out Ella’s clothes and flowers, to Yvonne Jackson for the obituary, and all those who helped with the cross and grave digging. Also quyana cakneq to those that sent prayers to the family and to all the members of the Russian Orthodox and Moravian Churches.
Thank you to all those that contributed in all ways if we failed to mention you. You are carried in our hearts and prayers. Quyana cakneq!
