Mollee Roestel is an American accountant and TV personality, born in 1957 in Washington State. She married mountaineer and Homestead Rescue star Marty Raney in 1974. Together, they raised four children in Alaska’s wilderness while managing Alaska Stone and Log Company. Despite avoiding the spotlight, she’s integral to the Raney family’s off-grid lifestyle and homesteading empire.
Ever wonder who keeps the home fires burning while Marty Raney tackles Alaska’s toughest homesteading challenges? Mollee Roestel isn’t just the woman behind the man—she’s a force of her own. While millions watch her husband on the Discovery Channel’s Homestead Rescue, Mollee has spent over 50 years building an extraordinary life in one of America’s most remote regions.
Who Is Mollee Roestel?
Mollee Roestel was born on January 31, 1957, in Washington State to parents Lorel Wayne Roestel and Beverly Watkins. Growing up in Snoqualmie Valley with six siblings—four brothers (Larry, Garry J., Terry, and David) and two sisters (Sheryl Ripley and Pam Hillemann)—she developed an appreciation for nature early on.
Her father served as an Army officer before passing away at age 95 in February 2020. Raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, Mollee maintains this faith today. Her upbringing in the Pacific Northwest prepared her for the adventurous life that would follow.
Unlike many celebrity spouses who seek the limelight, Mollee chose a different path. She works as an accountant for Alaska Stone and Log Company, the family business she and Marty built from the ground up. Her role might seem quiet, but managing finances for a homesteading operation in Alaska demands resilience and sharp business acumen.
The Love Story That Started in the Wilderness
Mollee’s relationship with Marty Raney began in the 1970s when both were teenagers in Washington. Marty, already passionate about wilderness living, had moved to Alaska at 18 to work in logging camps. He returned to Washington specifically to marry Mollee in 1974.
Their wedding was an intimate ceremony attended by family and friends. Right after exchanging vows, the newlyweds made a bold decision: they would return to Alaska together. This wasn’t a vacation—it was a commitment to a lifestyle that most people couldn’t imagine.
They settled in Haines, Alaska, on a 160-acre homestead located 100 miles from the nearest town. Their first home was a floating logging camp near Prince of Wales Island with no electricity, running water, plumbing, or heating. For many couples, this would be a deal-breaker. For Mollee and Marty, it was the beginning of their adventure.
The isolation was real. Their closest neighbors weren’t other families—they were Alaskan brown bears. Yet Mollee embraced this challenge with determination and grace.
Building a Family in Extreme Conditions
Mollee and Marty welcomed four children into their wilderness home: Melanee, Miles, Misty, and Matt Raney. Each birth came with its own dramatic story, particularly their first.
When Mollee went into labor with Melanee, they were far from any medical facility. The situation became critical when complications arose. Marty had to arrange an emergency airlift to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory in Canada, where Melanee was safely born. This harrowing experience didn’t deter the couple—they went on to have three more children.
Miles was born in Sitka, Alaska, another remote location. The Raney children grew up learning survival skills from infancy. By the time the kids were 2, 4, 6, and 8 years old, the entire family completed the challenging Chilkoot Pass expedition—a testament to their extraordinary upbringing.
Where Are the Raney Children Now?
Two of Mollee’s children followed their father into the television spotlight. Misty Raney, the youngest daughter, appears regularly on Homestead Rescue as a skilled homestead builder and carpenter. She splits her time between Alaska and Hawaii with her husband, Maciah Bilodeau, who is also a carpenter and surfer.
Matt Raney, their son, works alongside his father on the show and is positioned to inherit the family’s Alaska Stone and Log Company. He brings expertise in hunting, fishing, and wilderness survival.
Melanee and Miles chose different paths. Melanee runs Chugach Adventures, a business offering guided tours to remarkable Alaskan locations. She’s also an artist and mother of three. Miles has become a world traveler, visiting countries including Turkey, China, Bolivia, Peru, and the Congo. He documents his journeys on social media and supports local communities through fundraising initiatives.
Life Off the Grid: What Does Mollee Do?
While Marty gains recognition for his television work, Mollee handles the crucial behind-the-scenes operations. As the accountant for Alaska Stone and Log Company, she manages finances, payroll, and business operations—no small feat for a company operating in remote Alaska.
Her daily routine reflects true self-sufficiency. The Raney family practices:
- Subsistence hunting: Annual moose, caribou, and sheep hunts provide much of their food
- Salmon harvesting: Dip-netting for salmon during seasonal runs
- Gardening and farming: Growing vegetables, herbs, and maintaining livestock
- Animal care: Tending to dogs, cats, chickens, and goats
Mollee is also an avid marathon runner, which requires serious dedication given Alaska’s harsh climate. Her social media presence, though limited, shows a woman deeply connected to nature, family, and the land she’s called home for decades.
Why Doesn’t Mollee Appear on Homestead Rescue?
This is one of the most common questions fans ask. Homestead Rescue features Marty alongside Misty and Matt, but Mollee, Melanee, and Miles are notably absent.
In a 2017 Fox News interview, Marty confirmed that his wife and two eldest children made a conscious choice to avoid the publicity that comes with reality television. They value their privacy and prefer living their lives away from cameras.
However, Mollee isn’t entirely removed from the show’s world. Social media posts reveal that she frequently visits the set when her family is filming. She supports their work without becoming part of the public spectacle.
Mollee Roestel’s Net Worth and Financial Independence
Estimating Mollee Roestel’s individual net worth is challenging since she and Marty share their finances as partners in business and life. Sources estimate her personal net worth to be around $200,000, earned through her accounting work and occasional television appearances.
Marty Raney’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million, generated from:
- Homestead Rescue and related television shows
- Alaska Stone and Log Company
- Music career (he’s released several folk albums)
- Guiding and mountaineering services
Together, the couple has built financial stability while maintaining a modest, experience-focused lifestyle. They prioritize adventures and family time over material possessions.
The Raney Family Philosophy
What makes the Raney family unique isn’t just their wilderness skills—it’s their philosophy. Mollee and Marty raised their children to value:
- Self-reliance: Learning to solve problems without depending on modern conveniences
- Environmental respect: Understanding and working with nature rather than against it
- Hard work: Nothing comes easy in Alaska, and every family member contributes
- Family bonds: Despite harsh conditions, the Raneys remain tightly connected
This philosophy extends to their grandchildren. Mollee frequently shares photos with her grandchildren—Gauge Axl, Col Dov, and Mia Hazel—passing down the same values to the next generation.
Health, Hobbies, and Personal Interests
At 68 years old (as of 2025), Mollee maintains remarkable physical fitness. Standing 5 feet 5 inches tall with a healthy weight, she stays active through:
- Marathon running in Alaska’s challenging terrain
- Hiking and outdoor exploration
- Farming and animal care
- Playing guitar (she performs with the Raney Family Band)
Her hobbies also include reading across various genres—history, biography, fiction, and poetry. She’s known for her cooking and baking skills, using recipes passed down through family and friends. Food preservation is essential in remote Alaska, and Mollee has mastered these traditional techniques.
What’s the Secret to 50+ Years of Marriage?
Mollee and Marty Raney have been married for over five decades—an impressive achievement by any standard. Their relationship has endured extreme isolation, financial challenges, dangerous situations, and the pressures of raising four children in the wilderness.
Their marriage thrives on several key principles:
Communication: They share feelings, thoughts, and opinions openly while listening with respect and understanding.
Compromise: Living off-grid requires constant negotiation. They find middle ground and make decisions together.
Mutual support: Mollee supports Marty’s adventurous spirit, while he respects her need for privacy and her contributions to their business.
Shared adventures: Whether it’s a family hunt or a quiet evening with their grandchildren, they enjoy each other’s company and keep their relationship vibrant.
These aren’t just romantic ideals—they’re practical necessities for surviving and thriving in one of Earth’s harshest environments.
Mollee’s Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
While millions know Marty Raney as the face of Homestead Rescue, those who look closer see Mollee Roestel’s profound influence. She proves that you don’t need fame to make an impact.
Her legacy includes:
- Raising resilient, skilled children who continue the homesteading tradition
- Building a successful business in one of America’s most challenging locations
- Maintaining strong family bonds across generations
- Demonstrating that women can thrive in male-dominated fields like wilderness survival and business management
Mollee represents countless women who work behind the scenes, making extraordinary things possible without seeking credit.
FAQs About Mollee Roestel
How old is Mollee Roestel?
Mollee Roestel was born on January 31, 1957, making her 68 years old in 2025.
Is Mollee Roestel still alive?
Yes, Mollee is alive and healthy. She continues living in Alaska with her family.
Why doesn’t Mollee Roestel appear on Homestead Rescue?
Mollee prefers to maintain her privacy and has no interest in the publicity that comes with reality television.
How many children does Mollee Roestel have?
She has four children: Melanee, Miles, Misty, and Matt Raney.
What does Mollee Roestel do for a living?
She works as an accountant for Alaska Stone and Log Company, the family business.
When did Mollee and Marty Raney get married? They married in 1974 when both were teenagers.
Final Thoughts
Mollee Roestel represents a rare breed: someone who chose the road less traveled and never looked back. While her husband’s face is recognized by millions of television viewers, she’s content managing the business, raising a remarkable family, and living according to her values.
Her story challenges our assumptions about success and happiness. You don’t need fame, social media followers, or a public platform to live an extraordinary life. Sometimes the most remarkable people are those who work quietly behind the scenes, building something meaningful that will last for generations.
Whether you’re a fan of Homestead Rescue or simply curious about alternative lifestyles, Mollee Roestel’s journey offers valuable lessons about commitment, resilience, and the power of partnership. In a world obsessed with visibility and validation, she reminds us that true fulfillment often comes from the life you build when no one’s watching.
For more captivating stories about sports legends and their remarkable journeys, explore CanMagazine—where athletic history comes alive and inspiring careers unfold.
