Kathleen Stanger

Kathleen Stanger - 01/23/2003 Kathleen Stanger - 01/23/2003 KATHLEEN DOLORES JONES STANGER Kathleen Dolores Jones Stanger passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2003, surrounded by those who loved her. She looked her illness in the face on more than one occasion and defied the odds for 20 plus years. Her strength and determination allowed her the opportunity to watch many of her grandchildren grow up and for that gift alone we are so grateful. She was born August 23, 1935, in Clovis, New Mexico, and was the daughter of Maggie Zelma Sisk Jones and Jesse H. Jones. She lived in Denver, Colorado, for most of her adolescence and had very fond memories of being a “city girl.” The family then moved to Durango, Colorado. She married Henry B. Pollman (later divorced) at 17 and eventually moved to Idaho Falls where she nurtured and raised her family. She was always the “fun” mom on the block; she didn’t just raise her children but actually played with them. She was the mom who went roller-skating and ice-skating with us, and when we decided to learn to ski, she wasn’t to be left out. She took lessons right along with us and loved it so much that she became a ski instructor at Kelly Canyon. She spent many, many weekends skiing with her family and teaching others to ski, and made lifelong friends in this adventure. Judy Cahoon was one of her dearest. Kathleen met her husband of 27 years, David K. Stanger, in 1975 when she decided to take up bridge as her next adventure. They were married November 24, 1976, and she loved him very much. She said theirs was a love affair of 27 years; she didn’t want to leave him. They loved spending time together playing cards, camping, and “raising” ducks in their backyard. As Grandma Kathy, she spent many hours with her grandchildren and she showed them and their friends her zest for life. She always made things special when she was with them and made traditions that they will never forget: special trips to Freeman Park to sit on their favorite tree, wading in the creek and playing together; going to the “good soup kitchen” for bean soup and little loaves of bread, visiting the “secret spot” that was lush and green and, of course, a secret; and riding in her VW bug “Lady” singing together. She earned the name Peek-a-Boo Grandma in a hide-and-seek game she played with them. She always took an interest in what interested her grandchildren and she looked for ways to bond with them. It worked. Her ability to bring everyone into her circle as part of her family was a gift for which she was so talented. Titles didn’t mean anything to her. There was no such thing in her vocabulary as a step-daughter, step-son, or step-grandchild nor did the words significant other make a difference to her. You were just part of her family and so too were her friends. Her last great adventure was one she wanted all her life. She wanted to be a dancer. She took up tap dancing when she was 60, and it was her passion. She was the entertainer of our family and the joy that tapping brought to her is impossible to put into words. She and her tapping friends even went on a cruise and competed in a tap dancing competition. They won. She was so proud of that award. The friends she made tapping meant so much to her and our family will never forget their friendship. Adele, Lesley, Bob, Sybil, Leanne, and Patty, you made her life so much richer. We can hear her now……and 5,6,7,8. She leaves behind so many people who loved her. Her husband, David; her son Michael (Debbie) Pollman, daughter AJ (Jeff) Mousseau, son Andrew (Trina) Pollman, daughter Stephanie (Stuart) Walsh; grandchildren Sarah and Nathan Pollman, Lindsay, Brian, and Danielle Smith, Andrew Walsh, Jessica and Cory Holets, and Jenny and Anne Mousseau; sisters Karen (Ron) Neisler, Dana Terrill, B. J. Hansen, and Leah (Sue) Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Zelma Jones, brother Gary Jones, son Greg Stanger, and granddaughter Jessica Pollman. Kathleen, Kathy, Mom, Grandma Kathy, Peek-a-Boo Grandma you will be missed. You touched so many people’s lives. The family will celebrate her life on Sunday, January 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the home of AJ and Jeff Mousseau, 2531 Parkview Lane, Idaho Falls, ID, and will be honored to share this celebration with those who loved her and with friends of the family. Kathleen was very interested in politics, and it would please her to no end should you like to make a donation to the Democratic Party in her name. It would bring a smile to her face. If you would like to offer your condolences fill in the form below. Name E-Mail Message [ Previous Obituary - Vaunda Fisher | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Jim Cavanaugh ]