Jill Anne Burns McCarty of Fairbanks, Alaska, died in Morehead, Kentucky, on December 31, 2014, at the age of 61 after an extended battle with cancer. Jill was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Edward and Virginia Burns on February 11, 1953. Jill was an accomplished ballerina during her youth and enjoyed a tour performing in Europe in her teens. After high school, Jill married Dennis Jenny and in 1975 welcomed daughter Sheila Anne. In 1980, Jill and Sheila moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. Jill worked at Frontier Sporting Goods, Alaska Television Service and the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District where she worked in various departments and schools of the school district for over 25 years prior to her retirement in January of 2014. Jill met Thomas Reed McCarty in Fairbanks and married at their home on August 12, 1989. She enjoyed many hobbies during her time in Alaska including hockey, scuba diving, hunting, fishing, camping, quilting, and listening to audiobooks. Jill will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, her vibrant smile, and her dedication to her family and friends. While her loss will leave a hole in our lives, she will leave a lasting glow of love in our hearts. Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Virginia Burns; sisters, Nancy (Ray) Still and Barbara Crane. Jill is survived by her husband, Thomas Reed McCarty; children, Thomas Sumner (Vicki) McCarty of Morehead Kentucky, Lauren Jaye (Steven) Pearson of Portland, Oregon, and Sheila Anne McCarty of Lawton, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Taylor Hyatt, Avery Peltier, Sumner McCarty, Colin Stanley, and Ashelyn Pearson; sisters, Ginger (Michael) Mueller and Patti Jo (Carl Schmertz) Burns and many other nieces and nephews and close friends. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2015, at Bluebank First Church of God's fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jill's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your local cancer treatment centers and/or caringbridge.org. The family would like to thank J. Michael Carroll Cancer Center in Fairbanks, Alaska, and University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center for their efforts, care and dedication. Condolences may be sent to www.northcuttandson.com Funeral: Friday, January 2, 2015, 6 p.m., Bluebank First Church of God