IRENE PHOEBE (BARNES) WALLIS STODERL

Irene Phoebe (Barnes) Wallis Stoderl, 95, died after a long illness of extreme back pain spending from December 23, 2020 to January 8, 2021 in the Melbourne Regional Center, then transferred to the 251 Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center with her health deteriorating, she was transferred to the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida on March 6, 2021 and passed away Monday, March 8, 2021 at 3:00 A.M.

 She was born Thursday, February 25, 1926 in Douglas, Wyoming the daughter of Ross Ellis and Phoebe Hazel (Shrader) Barnes.  She was raised on the Walker Creek homestead northeast of Douglas, when she was five years old, she rode a one-eyed mare to school in the area, being one mile to five miles from the home in rain, sun, or snow.

Irene married Robert Louis Wallis in September, 1944, and to this union four children, two boys and two daughters were born.  They lived on the Walker Creek homestead raising their children, along with cows, pigs, and chickens.  The whole family assisted with the daily chores of living on a ranch such as haying, branding, calving, fencing, and so forth.  They also were active in

4-H activities with their children.  Irene was active in the Walker Creek Homemakers Club, Rebekah Lodge in Douglas, Converse County Cowbells, and the Wyoming Pioneer Association.  Irene had many hobbies such as painting, drawing, ceramics, needle point, and crocheting, making many gifts. 

Robert passed away in 1986, and on February 25, 1987 Irene married Donald Anthony Stoderl.  They had many adventures, cruises, and bought a sail boat and sailed to the Bahamas many times, fishing as they sailed.  They lived on the Florida Keys, Key West, and Big Pine Keys in their Airstream trailer and their many homes they owned.  They had a home in Anderson, South Carolina, which they sold in June, 2018 and moved to Melbourne, Florida.  They lived at the Land Yacht Harbor in their Airstream trailer at the trailer court.  Irene was very independent and liked to be around people socializing.  She loved to square dance and would dance until her back became weak.

She celebrated her 95th birthday and 34th wedding anniversary at the 251 Melbourne Terrace Rehabilitation Center on February 25, 2021 with many visitors and flower arrangements. 

Irene is survived by her children, Richard E. (Pam) Wallis of the Walker Creek Ranch northeast of Douglas, Bonnie I. (Ron “Butch”) Millikin of Glendo, Wyoming, Robert Allen (Nancy) Wallis of Douglas, and Matilda Wallis (Daryl) Schadewaldt of Dakota, Illinois; 14 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and husband, Don Stoderl of Melbourne.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Lawrence and Alma Mae (Dale) Wallis in a car/train accident on October 18, 1963; father, Ross Barnes, on April 21, 1964; mother, Phoebe Barnes, on April 14, 1968; step granddaughter, Gail Marie Millikin on July 1, 1982; and husband of 42 years, Robert, on April 19, 1986.

Irene’s funeral service was in Anderson, South Carolina on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 with Reverend Steve Hurte officiating at the McDougald Funeral Home.  A private burial was at the M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery in South Carolina.

Irene loved all types of flowers, tulips, roses, and trees.  Please plant whatever you wish in her memory.

Irene is with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

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