Velma Koontz Obituary

Velma Pungowiyi Koontz passed away January 20, 2026. She was born to Donald and Laura Pungowiyi on July 8th, 1938 in Savoonga, Alaska.

While working as a teachers aide in Savoonga she met and married her husband Keith Koontz on February 29th, 1968. She spent her early married life living on a trapline on Beaver Creek, and spent time living in Savoonga, Bethel and settled in Two Rivers where she and Keith built their log home.

Velma often talked of loving memories of ice skating for the first time at camp and dog sled rides from camp to Savoonga. Velma was an excellent skin sewer and enjoyed listening to live music, and playing card games. She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother and Baha'i. She welcomed and embraced people from all different backgrounds and races and was quick to defend anyone who faced discrimination. Velma was also well traveled. She made three trips to the Baha'i Shrines in Haifa Israel where tourists once asked if she and Keith were members of the Beatles! She also visited Italy, France, Germany, Mexico, Greenland, Denmark, and Iran.

She is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Laura Pungowiyi, siblings Helen Newhall, Dennis Pungowiyi, Ivan Pungowiyi, and Moses Pungowiyi.

She is survived by her sister Esther Toolie, brother Ben Pungowiyi, and husband Keith Koontz and Children: Perry Pungowiyi, Cindy and husband Delton Hubbard, George and wife Joy Koontz and Lucy Kingeekuk, Lumen Pungowiyi, Natasha Armstead, Carlos Pietri, Curtis Hubbard, Tori Hubbard, Brian Davenport, Keanu Henry, Conner Koontz, Mason, Rogan and Ivy, Great Grandchildren: Evan Riah, Kayden, Clarence, Rylan, Jon, Emma and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her grandfather was the first Christian on St. Lawrence Island and Velma was the first to embrace the Baha'i Faith.

A celebration of life was held Saturday January 31st at the JP Jones Center. She will be buried in the spring at the Baha'i Cemetery on Haystack Mountain.

Her advice to her children applies to the whole world; "Love each other."