A Celebration of Life Open House was held at the historic Park Theatre for Ola Hollars Stanger on Sunday, June 26, 2005 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. All of those who were touched by Ola's kind and generous nature were invited to attend.
Thank you to all that attended it was a beautiful day full of love to fill the tower of love at the Historic Park Theatre

In October of 2003, Ola was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Because of her indomitable will to live, she beat the odds and endured for another 19 months, including surviving her husband, Mickey Stanger's death on December 30. 2003. With her daughter, Sharon Seeley by her side, Ola continued to be active in overseeing the operations at the Park Theatre, the Park Theatre Mall, and Estes Valley Resorts. She was involved in developing the partnership with the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park for the renovation and development of the Park Theatre for use as a performing and cultural arts center. In addition, Ola took an active role in finding an investment company to finance and develop the vision that she and her husband Mickey had for Estes Valley Resorts.

Because her heart was in Estes Park, Ola insisted on remaining in her home in Estes Park during her illness. With family and friends by her side Ola Stanger passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2005. Ola is survived by her daughter, Sharon Seeley of Estes Park, her son Andrew Stanger of Boulder, four grandchildren and three great grand children. Her nephew Jeff Galyon also lives in Estes Park.

Born in Stanton Kentucky on February 23, 1922, Ola Hollars was one of five children of Andrew and Zona Hollars. In 1943, she married Richard, Mickey Stanger of Frederick, CO. Ola Hollars Stanger was a woman who brought spark to every day life. She dedicated her life to the people around her as well as to her work. She was the kind of person who could sit in front of a packed theatre and keep the restless crowd entertained while the projectionist fixed the projector. As the owner and operator of movie theatres for over 59 years, many people walked through her life. Some were embracing life, while others needed a shoulder to lean on. Ola’s heart was much like a theatre, large and open. So often, it was filled with happiness. People meant the world to her, and there was nothing she wanted more than to spend a little time talking to you. In fact, one time she got so busy talking to someone, the young man forgot that he was robbing her. She walked him down to the pool hall and they parted ways on good terms. That was the way Ola was.

Ola reached out to others and leant a helping hand whenever she could. She was quick to listen to your problems, while never once complaining of her own. Her kitchen was always open to those in hunger, and she always had a spare coat for those who were without in the middle of winter. Such was her compassion for the needs of others. It was this compassion, along with her devotion to her father, the Rev. Andrew Hollars and his life’s work that in 1939, she helped him locate, finance and then construct Highlands Presbyterian Camp just south of Allenspark.

Ola came to Estes Park in 1954 with the simple goal of helping her mother, Zona; however, she found something even greater worth staying for. She began assisting Vic Walker owner, of the Park Theatre run the day-to-day operation. When it came time for him to retire, he sold the Park Theatre to her and her husband Mickey knowing it would be in good hands. It was often said, that Ola and Mickey were the only one’s able to save the Park Theatre from wind, fire, flood, and the Town of Estes Park, who wanted to tear down the theatre many times.

Ola’s life was filled with hard work, work that she never once shied away from. While Mickey, had the vision, Ola’s ingenuity and perseverance made those dreams come alive. Although Ola is gone from this world, she is not far from our hearts, for she has touched each and every one of us with her compassion, her zest for life, and that unmistakable laughter.

The community was invited to join family and friends on Sunday, June 26, 2005 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the historic Park Theatre to honor and remember Ola Hollars Stanger while reminiscing her life of joy, and perseverance. For more information contact Sharon Seeley or Jenna MacGregor at 970-586-8904.