(Nov. 22, 2008)
A supporter of the resistance as a child in her native Denmark, Inger Shanor, long-time resident of Powell, died quietly Saturday, Nov. 22 at her Cody home, surrounded by family. She was 78.
Inger was born Oct. 15, 1930, in Barrit, Denmark, to Ragnald and Yrsa Piepgrass. She was 12 years old when Nazi Germany occupied Denmark during World War II. She and her older brother helped the underground smuggle Jewish children out of Denmark by escorting them through a heavily-wooded area approximately two miles to the sea shore. Waiting ships would carry them to safety.
Inger came to the United States in 1950. Shortly after obtaining her citizenship, she joined the army as a WAC and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. There she met her future husband, Robert Shanor, who was also serving in the army.
The couple married in Germany in 1955, where their first child, Bobbie, was born the following year. In 1959, their son, Ron, was born in Powell.
After military service overseas, the family returned to Seattle, Wash., then moved to Powell. As a naturalized citizen, Inger felt it was a privilege in live in this country. She was a familiar face in Powell because of her many years of working in the offices of the City of Powell and then Nelson Insurance.
Inger loved the outdoors and spent most weekends on a snowmobile or 4-wheeling, motorcycling and camping.
She and her husband enjoyed traveling. In 1999, she and Bob, with another couple, rode motorcycles 6,900 miles over 33 days in Alaska. She had been in every state in the U.S., as well as three Canadian provinces.
Inger was an accomplished seamstress. She sewed all of the children’s clothing until Bobbie was in the third grade. She would knit Canadian sweaters for the family and for sale. If the patterns weren’t to her liking, she would draw her own.
Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Robert (Bob) Shanor of Cody; daughter, Bobbie Holder of Cody; son, Ron (Jean) Shanor of Cody; four grandsons, two great-grandchildren and a great-great grandson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and all five brothers.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be conducted at Thompson Funeral Home in Powell at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec 1. A gathering to celebrate Inger’s life will be held at The Commons in Powell immediately following the service.