When people talk about Homestead Rescue, they usually think of the tough and brave man in front of the camera — Marty Raney. But many fans don’t know that behind Marty stands someone just as strong and just as important. Her name is Mollee Roestel, and she is the heart of the Raney family.
Mollee is more than just “Marty Raney’s wife.” She is a woman who loves nature, believes in simple living, and has supported her family through some of the hardest conditions in Alaska. In this article, we will explore who Mollee Roestel really is, how she grew up, how she met Marty, and how they built a life in the wild. Let’s discover her inspiring story together.
Mollee Roestel Quick Bio
| Full Name | Mollee Roestel |
| Known As | Marty Raney’s wife |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1956 (some say 1957) |
| Age | 68 years old |
| Birthplace | Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Parents | Lorel Wayne Roestel, Beverly Watkins |
| Siblings | 4 brothers, 2 sisters |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Marty Raney (m. 1974) |
| Children | Melanee, Miles, Misty, Matt |
| Residence | Wasilla, Alaska |
| Occupation | Accountant (Alaska Stone & Log Co.) |
| Known For | Quiet life off the grid |
| TV Appearances | Not on Homestead Rescue |
| Hobbies | Hiking, farming, running |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Around $200,000 |
Who Is Mollee Roestel?
Mollee Roestel is best known as Marty Raney’s wife, but her life is much bigger than that title. She is a strong, private, and down-to-earth woman who has lived most of her adult life in the deep wilderness of Alaska. Even though she does not appear on TV, she plays a huge role in keeping her family’s life running smoothly.
Many fans admire her because she chooses a simple and peaceful life away from the spotlight. She focuses on her home, her family, and her faith. She enjoys nature more than fame, and that makes her story unique and inspiring.
Mollee Roestel’s Early Life and Family
Mollee Roestel was born in 1956 or 1957 in Washington, USA. She grew up in Snoqualmie Valley, a quiet and beautiful place surrounded by trees, mountains, and rivers. This early environment played a big part in shaping her love for nature.
She was raised in a Jehovah’s Witness family. Her parents, Lorel Wayne Roestel and Beverly Watkins, taught her the values of kindness, respect, and simple living. Her father was an Army officer and later passed away in 2020 at the age of 95. His long life and service made him a respected figure in their community.
Mollee also grew up in a large family. She had six siblings — four brothers and two sisters. Their home was always full of activity, laughter, and shared work. Growing up with many brothers and sisters helped Mollee become patient, caring, and hardworking.
Meeting Marty Raney and Falling in Love
Mollee met Marty Raney when they were both young. Their meeting was simple and natural, just like everything else in their lives. They connected through their shared love for the outdoors and their similar views about family and hard work.
Their relationship grew quickly because they understood each other so well. They both wanted a life that was honest, peaceful, and close to nature. In 1974, they got married in Washington. It was a small and warm ceremony with family and close friends.
After their wedding, Marty returned with Mollee to Alaska. He wanted to show her the place he loved the most — the wild lands where life is quiet, raw, and real. Mollee agreed, ready to start a new chapter with him.
Life in Alaska
When Mollee moved to Alaska with Marty, life was not easy, but it was full of adventure. Their first home was a floating logging camp near Prince of Wales Island. Imagine living on a floating house with no electricity, no plumbing, and no heating. It sounds impossible for many people, but Mollee accepted the challenge with courage.
The couple later moved to a 160-acre homestead in Haines, a place so remote that it was 100 miles from the nearest town. There were no stores, no roads, and no neighbors. Every day required hard work — cutting wood, hauling water, building shelters, and preparing food. It was a simple life, but also a strong and meaningful one.
Later, they moved again to another remote floating logging camp near Sitka. Living in these wild places taught Mollee and Marty to depend on each other. It also taught them patience, strength, and teamwork. Their long years in these harsh conditions helped shape the Raney family we know today.
What Does Marty Raney’s Wife Do?
Even though she is not on TV, Mollee Roestel has a very important role in the Raney family. She works as an accountant for their business, Alaska Stone and Log Company. This is the company that handles many of the building projects and homestead work the family is known for.
Mollee manages numbers, records, and finances. She makes sure everything stays organized and running smoothly. Many people see Marty building cabins or solving homestead problems on TV, but Mollee is the one helping keep everything stable behind the scenes.
Along with her accountant work, Mollee also takes part in homesteading life. She helps with farming, animal care, and food preparation. Her days are full of activity, but she enjoys this lifestyle because it keeps her close to nature and her family.
Mollee Roestel and Her Love for Nature
Mollee has always loved the outdoors. Living in Alaska only made that love deeper. She enjoys hiking, farming, and taking care of animals. Being outside makes her feel peaceful and happy, and she often spends hours walking through the land around her home.
She is also a marathon runner. This may surprise many people, but running long distances in nature is something she enjoys very much. It helps her feel strong and focused.
Her love for nature also shows in the way she raises her children and supports her husband. She believes that nature teaches us patience, focus, and respect — lessons that stay with us forever.
Marty Raney and Mollee Roestel’s Four Children
Mollee Roestel and Marty Raney have four children: Melanee, Miles, Misty, and Matt. They raised all their kids in Alaska, in the middle of the wild, far away from big cities or busy lifestyles.
Their children grew up with snow, mountains, forests, and long hikes. They learned how to hunt, fish, cook, and work with their hands. They were taught how to stay calm in hard situations and how to respect nature. Because of this upbringing, all four children grew into strong, confident, and independent adults.
One of the most famous family stories is when they all hiked the Chilkoot Pass together. At the time, Melanee was only eight years old, and Miles was six. It was a long and tough trail, but they completed it as a family. This memory is still special to them today.
Where Are Their Children Now?
Mollee Roestel and Marty Raney’s children have grown up into amazing adults, each following their own path — but still staying close to nature and adventure.
Misty Raney is one of the most popular faces on Homestead Rescue. She’s strong, smart, and handy with tools. Misty helps families build and repair homes in wild places. Many fans love her because she’s just like her mom — calm, hardworking, and down-to-earth.
Matt Raney, their son, is also a big part of the show. He focuses on building strong shelters and helping families survive in extreme places. He knows how to use tools, fix anything, and stay calm during big challenges — just like his dad.
Melanee Raney, their oldest daughter, didn’t join the show, but she still does exciting things. She runs a business called Chugach Adventures, which gives guided tours through some of Alaska’s most beautiful places. She’s also a talented artist and a proud mom of three kids.
Miles Raney is the family’s big traveler. He created a blog called The Wandering Traveller, where he shared stories and pictures from around the world. He has visited places like Turkey, China, Bolivia, and the Congo. Along the way, he also helps support local causes and people in need.
Why Mollee Roestel Stays Off the TV Screen
You might wonder — if her husband and kids are on TV, why isn’t Mollee Roestel also on Homestead Rescue?
The answer is simple: she just prefers a quiet and private life. In a 2017 interview, Marty Raney said that Mollee, along with two of their children, didn’t want to be on the show. It wasn’t because they didn’t support it — they just didn’t want to be in front of cameras.
Mollee still visits the set sometimes and supports her family in every way. But she chooses peace over publicity. Her love for her family is clear, even if we don’t see her on the screen. And that’s part of what makes her so special.
The Strong Bond Between Marty Raney and Mollee Roestel
Mollee Roestel and Marty Raney have been together for over 40 years. That kind of bond doesn’t happen by accident. It takes love, trust, teamwork, and a shared vision for life.
They have gone through freezing winters, tough living conditions, and many hard days. But they’ve also shared joy, laughter, and the beauty of nature. They’ve raised four strong children and built a peaceful life from the ground up.
Their relationship shows that real love isn’t always loud. It can be quiet, steady, and full of respect — just like the life they chose together in Alaska.
Mollee Roestel’s Life Today in Alaska
Today, Mollee Roestel lives in Wasilla, Alaska, with her husband Marty. Their life is still centered around nature, family, and self-sufficiency. They grow food, hunt, fish, and take care of their land.
She still works with the family business and enjoys her quiet lifestyle. You won’t find her posting on Instagram or giving interviews, but her impact is clear in every part of the Raney family.
Mollee finds joy in small things — fresh air, homemade meals, quiet walks, and time with her kids and grandkids. Her life may not be on TV, but it’s full of meaning and strength.
Final Thoughts
Mollee Roestel may not be as famous as her husband, but her story is just as inspiring. As Marty Raney’s wife, she has lived a life full of love, courage, and purpose.
She left the comfort of Washington and embraced the wild lands of Alaska. She raised four children in a remote and rugged world. She supports her family every day — not with fame, but with quiet strength and endless care.
Mollee shows us that sometimes, the most powerful people are the ones working quietly behind the scenes. Her life is a beautiful example of faith, family, and the simple joys that come from living close to nature.
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