Bernice Stranger

Bernice Laura Wood Stranger, 89, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the home of her son, Allen, in Menan, Idaho.

Bernice was born on November 4, 1936, in St. Anthony, Idaho to Gerald “Sod” and Laura Hobbs Wood. She was blessed with two younger sisters, Stella and Della. She grew up in a little log home and attended school in St. Anthony.

Bernice met the love of her life, Robert “Bill” Stranger, and they were married June 28, 1954, in Wilford, Idaho. On September 11, 1955, they were blessed with their first daughter, Roxy. Soon after that they moved to North Dakota for work which didn’t last so they moved back to Ashton, Idaho. On April 12, 1957, Ginger made her appearance. Work then took them to Rockland, Idaho where Allen joined his two sisters on December 9, 1958. One final move back to Ashton and Billy completed the family on April 10, 1962.

Bernice had a strong work ethic and worked many jobs while raising the family. In the fall, she could be found driving grain and potato trucks for many farmers. Then she would always help out in the potato warehouse for Stan Clark. The job she enjoyed most was when she helped alcohol and substance addiction clients at the Bill Kersson Clinic. While working there she studied hard and received her GED in her 60's. Bill and Bernice enjoyed many summers in Island Park, Idaho as Camp Hosts at the Buttermilk Campground where many life-long friends were made. For several years Bernice volunteered a few days a week at the Flea Market in Ashton.

Bernice’s favorite times were spent with her family and outdoors. Many hours were spent riding horses, camping, fishing, and hunting. She enjoyed crocheting, painting, and making earrings. For over 40 years Bill and Bernice worked many tireless hours helping people through Alcoholics Anonymous making many life-long friends.

Bernice is survived by her sisters, Stella Baler of Ashton, Della Shepherd of Idaho Falls; son-in-law, Mike Skaar of Mackay, Idaho; daughter, Ginger (Jim) Mills of Graybill, Wyoming; sons, Allen (Kathy) Stranger of Menan, William “Billy” Stranger of Challis, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and her best fur baby, Buddy.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bill” Stranger; her parents, Gerald “Sod” and Laura Wood; her daughter, Roxilla “Roxy” Stranger Skaar; brothers-in-law, Darrell Baler and Terry Shepherd.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the Ashton Community United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends and family that morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Pineview Cemetery. 

A luncheon for friends and family will be held immediately following the committal service back at the Methodist Church.