Oleta Stanger

Oleta Elizabeth Chadwick Stanger, 94, of Iona, passed away January 24, 2013, at The Gables of Shelley. Oleta was born February 10, 1918, in Yost, Utah, to Fredrick Richard Chadwick and Alice Alberta Gilbert Chadwick. When she was six years old, the family moved from Yost to Hazelton, Idaho. She graduated from Hazelton High School and was involved in many of the school activities, including playing on the girls’ basketball team. Following high school she worked in Twin Falls for a year before attending college. She attended the University of Idaho, Southern Branch (now Idaho State University), where she lettered in basketball and sang in the A Cappella choir. During her college years, Oleta became friends with classmates who were from Iona and subsequently accepted a teaching assignment in Iona in the elementary grades. Many of her first students, now in their eighties, still refer to her very affectionately as “Miss Chadwick.” While teaching in the elementary school she also taught girls’ physical education classes and coached girls’ basketball at Iona High School. She discontinued teaching following her marriage, but returned for a few years in the 1970’s. On May 5, 1941, she married William Steele “Bill” Stanger of Iona and began a lifelong partnership of raising children and livestock. Oleta was a constant source of support and encouragement to Bill throughout their married life, providing a very necessary element of organization, indulging his need to raise livestock, and “picking up all the loose ends.” Early married years were filled with romance; dancing at Wandamere and other venues to the tunes of Glen Miller performed by local bands and occasional big band names. These years also included new friends, extended family, and adjustments to a new life. Their life was a mixture of hard work, love and affection for each other and their children. Oleta had a deep love for her family, particularly her grandchildren, and remained a family teacher throughout her life. She was continually and patiently nurturing, teaching, and offering words of advice and encouragement. Much of her life was dedicated to caring for family members in need. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in various callings, her favorite being a Gospel Doctrine teacher. Oleta was a member and past president of the Bonneville Art Association. She enjoyed oil painting, sewing, quilting, cooking, and cross country skiing. She also remained an avid basketball fan throughout her life. Oleta is survived by: Son, Chad Stanger of Iona, ID Daughter, Tricia (Gary) Archibald of Rexburg, ID Daughter, Alice (Scott) Huntsman of Shelley, ID Niece, Karla Staples (raised by Oleta and Bill) of Ammon, ID Daughter-in-law, Sandy Stanger of Salt Lake City, UT Daughter-in-law, Debbie Stanger of Mesa, AZ Thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, with two on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters, Marie McCabe and Beth Fouts, and two brothers, Murle Chadwick and Lowell Chadwick. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at the Iona Stake Center. Iona Road and Ririe Highway (7555 North 55th East), with Bishop Byard Cox officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery. Special thanks is extended for the tender loving care provided by Caroline and her staff at The Gables of Shelley, Brooke at Access Home Care & Hospice, and Oleta’s attentive and caring friends.

Funeral Services -- Tuesday

Tuesday January 29, 2013 , 11 a.m. at Iona LDS Stake Center

The family will visit with friends Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Iona Cemetery

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