- Date Of Birth: April 16, 1930
- Date Of Death: September 25, 2015
- State: Idaho
Vinette Southwick Stanger, known to many across the Treasure Valley as “the Dance Lady,” passed away at home, peacefully in her sleep, on Friday, September 25, 2015 with her beloved husband, Charles, at her side. She was 85.
Vinette was born April 16, 1930 to Leslie and Ruth Stone in Ogden, Utah. She grew up in San Francisco, where she and her sister Ruthie would have been quite a sight, taking their pet chicken “Cheeps” on walks up and down the rolling streets of The City. She spoke often of her glorious childhood and the love she felt for her parents, brothers, and sister.
A few years later, through mutual friends, Vinette was introduced to Dr. Charles Earl Stanger, Jr., professor and Research Agronomist from Oregon State University. Charles had lost Deon Hurst, his beloved wife of 34 years, in January, 1985. What started with a dinner out together blossomed into a relationship. Charles and Vinette were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 20, 1986. From that day forward, Vinette lovingly and proudly considered the Stanger children—Susan, Marilyn, Kevin, Kim, and Karen—and the Stanger grandchildren, as her own. And they very lovingly accepted her.
Dance was truly one of her life’s greatest loves. Vinette was a gifted dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She taught multiple generations of youth and adults across the Treasure Valley how to dance. For decades, she gave private lessons in addition to choreographing countless plays, roadshows, and dance festivals.
The family is confident that since her passing last week, Vinette has enjoyed a sweet reunion with those who have preceded her in death, including Archie; Archie and Vinette’s oldest daughter, Karen; Charles and Deon’s oldest daughter, Susan; Nana; Grandpa; Aunt Ruthie; Uncle Leslie; and Uncle Lewis. Vinette is survived by Charles; by her children, Jenny, Becky, Amy (Tracy Ham), Kenneth (Andrea), and Nancy; and by Charles’ children, Marilyn (Tom Hartman), Kevin (MaryAnn), Kim (Robyn), and Karen (Ron Ferguson); by 39 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and by her brother-in-law, Uncle Bill.
