TLDR: Litzi Botello was a polymer clay artist who joined Port Protection Alaska in its later seasons and became a fan favorite. She died in Port Protection on June 25, 2021, at age 62, according to her obituary. Checked October 23, 2026.
Litzi Botello lived on Prince of Wales Island for about 40 years and joined Port Protection Alaska late in its run. Fans remember her as a quiet, steady presence who fished beside Gary Muehlberger.
Here is what her obituary, her husband and the show say about her life.
Meeting John and Moving to Alaska
Distractify reports, citing National Geographic, that she met her husband, John Bean, at 22 in Los Angeles and moved with him to Alaska. A fan-site profile adds that she has Mexican heritage.
Her obituary in the Ketchikan Daily News says they married on May 21, 2000, in Port Protection. It was published on August 11, 2021.
A Polymer Clay Artist
The obituary calls her a polymer clay artist and says she was born on November 22, 1958, in Norwalk, California. One profile says she also made what it calls therapeutic aquatic art while fishing.
Her family wrote that she enjoyed beachcombing and walking on the beach, listening to live music and traveling with her husband in their van. Her husband said she liked supporting women and spreading love.
Living With One Arm
Litzi had one arm, and Distractify notes that she has never publicly said how she lost it. Republic World says it was an accident, which nothing else confirms.
She said she never let having one arm stop her. On the show she fished and was known for filleting fish.
Fishing With Gary Muehlberger
Reports describe Gary as her best friend, and the two often fished together. On the show he said that he could start a story and she could finish it.
His death hit her hard. Her husband said she had surgery the day Gary died, and you can read Gary’s story in our profile of Gary Muehlberger.
Joining the Show
Sources disagree on which season she joined, with one article saying season 4 and the same outlet’s page data saying season 5. Either way she became a fan favorite.
One fan wrote in a Facebook group that they loved to watch her fillet fish.
Her Death in June 2021
She died in Port Protection on June 25, 2021, at age 62. Her husband said in a Facebook group, per Distractify, that she died of ovarian cancer.
Her obituary does not state a cause of death. It said a memorial date had not yet been set.
Her Family
Her obituary says she was survived by her husband and a grandchild, Sancho Bean, of Port Protection. It says she was preceded in death by her sons Johnny Botello and Leland Dean, along with two brothers and her mother.
Entertainment sites disagree about how and when her sons died, and none cites a primary record, so we have not repeated their accounts.
After Her Death
TheTVDB lists a season 8 episode, “We Can Do Hard Things,” in which Veronica Arrants and a friend revamp a garden. Veronica is described as Litzi’s niece and joined the cast in season 6.
For the rest of the cast, see our Port Protection cast guide and the profile of Mary Miller.
Litzi Botello Frequently Asked Questions
When did Litzi Botello die?
She died on June 25, 2021, at age 62, according to her obituary.
How did Litzi Botello die?
Her husband said she died of ovarian cancer. Her obituary does not state a cause.
What was Litzi Botello’s job?
Her obituary calls her a polymer clay artist.
Who is Veronica Arrants?
She is described as Litzi’s niece and joined the cast in season 6.
