Laura Stanger

Arlie was born to James and Mary Bone Ward on June 13,1911 in Monte Vista, CO., where she enjoyed her childhood with sister Mary Ann and brother Jim. Her maternal grandmother lived next door and was a great friend to her grandchildren. She taught Arlie the quote, "The only way to have a friend is to be one", by Emerson. Arlie lived this quote throughout her life and was a friend to many. She graduated in 1928 from Monte Vista High School and from the University of Denver in 1933 with a BA in Education. She was a member of Sigma Kappa. Returning to Monte Vista she worked as a teacher and her earnings helped provide for her siblings' education. During this time Arlie's Aunt Miriam Ward had a baby and gave Arlie the opportunity to name the baby girl. Judith Lee(Ward Elting) and Arlie have been close friends forever.

Arlie married Kenneth H. Stanger in 1938 and they moved to Summitville, Co., a gold mining camp.There, in a one room school, Arlie taught students in first to eighth grade. Her sister, Mary Ann(Betts) also lived in Summitville and was married to Kenny's brother, Herb. The four of them had many wonderful adventures including skiing at night with lit, kerosene soaked brooms which illuminated the hill as they skied.

In 1941 Kenny and Arlie's first son, Martin was born. In 1942 they moved to University Park in Denver, CO., where Arlie lived for 69 years. Jim was born in 1945. Arlie loved being a mom and a homemaker. She was involved in the boys' activities, sports, Boy Scouts, and the PTA. She returned to teaching to help both boys attend and graduate from college.

Arlie enjoyed playing bridge, reading and volunteering. She had many groups of life long friends. One group, which was together for 60 years, met through KLZ where Kenny worked. Arlie loved being with children. One of her favorite titles was grandma to Jake, Mandy and Emily. Making cookies, going on picnics and swinging in the tire swing are fond memories as well as listening to stories Arlie enjoyed reading to them. Becoming a great grandma to Nick, Katie, Gracie and Kenley brought Arlie lots of joy.

Arlie and Kenny planned driving trips to visit family and to see almost all of the USA. Sally Peck,(good friend and long time neighbor) and Arlie had adventures.They cruised the Mediterranean Sea and the Mississippi River. A visit to New Orleans was a favorite. Arlie loved Dixieland Jazz. At age 90 they took a trip to Scandinavia and the USSR.

In 2011 Arlie moved to Brookdale Assisted Living. She continued making friends with both the residents and the staff.

December 15, 2016, Arlie gently passed. We miss her and feel grateful to have shared in her long and well lived life.

Arlie is survived by her son, James K Stanger(Sherry)Denver, her daughter-in-law, Edith Stanger, Dallas;,her cousin, Judith Ward Elting(Jan) Littleton. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, John Kenneth and Amanda Kay Stanger, Dallas; Emily Elizabeth Kilcrease(Charles) Clermont, FL, her great grandchildren Nick and Katie Stanger, Dallas and Gracie and Kenley Kilcrease, Clermont and many nieces and nephews. Arlie is predeceased by her parents, her husband of 56 years, Kenneth H. Stanger, her son Martin Ward Stanger, her sister Mary Ann Stanger and brother James Bone Ward.

Memorial Service, January 27th, 2017, 2pm at Univerity Park United Methodist Church in Denver.
Memorial donations may be made to: History Colorado 1200 Broadway Denver 80203 and/or University Park United Methodist Church, 2180 S University Blvd. Denver, CO 80210