Verla Rae Ottley

Verla Rae Phillips Ottley was born Oct. 27,1937 in Aberdeen, Idaho to Ed and Ione Phillips. She passed away September 7, 2025. Verla joined her 3 brothers, Wayne, Clint and Art. She was blessed to have a younger sister Patty as well.

Verla was raised on a farm in Aberdeen, Idaho, where she learned to work hard. She graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation she got married and moved to Pocatello, and was blessed with 3 children, Rick, Pam and Douglas.

Verla worked at ISU and helped purchase the material to build Idaho State University Mini Dome. In 1969 she moved to Shelley. She worked for the Shelley School District until she went back to school at ISU studying nursing and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1986, which was the same year her youngest son Doug graduated from high school. She went to Los Angeles where she obtained her nurse practitioner degree. She worked for Bingham Memorial Hospital as a Registered nurse for 2 years, then went to work for Dr. Craig Hall in her specialty as a Women’s Health nurse practitioner until her retirement in 2008.

In 1994, Verla met the love of her life, Stanley Verl Ottley. They were married August 4, 1995. Stan brought 7 children into the marriage. Mark, Maureen, Janece, Nadine, Bruce, Cheryl and Steven.

Verla lived in Woodville, Idaho until August 2024 when she moved to Morning Star in Idaho Falls until the time of her death.

Verla was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, She held various positions in the church including, Sunday school, Relief Society, and Primary. She also served as a choir leader which she dearly loved. Verla also loved to sing and had a beautiful voice to add to the choir. She had many hobbies including sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, gardening, music, and talking.

Verla was preceded in death by her eternal companion Stanley V Ottley, her parents Ed and Ione Phillips. Her brothers Wayne and Clint and her grandson Scott Croshaw. She is survived by her children, Rick (Laura) Croshaw, Pam (Vail) McBride, Douglas (Mu) Croshaw, Mark (Colleen) Ottley, Maureen (Mike) Anderson, Janece (Richard) Fowers, Nadine Armstrong, Bruce (Kathy) Ottley, Cheryl (Gordon) Simmons, and Steven (Patricia) Ottley, 40 grandchildren 92 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, her brother, Art and sister, Patty (Les) Wilson.

The family would like to thank Morning Star Facility and Aspen Hospice for the great care they took of Verla.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Woodville Ward Chapel, 1555 N 700 E, Shelley. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 till 7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street, Shelley and Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. the church. Burial will be in the Woodville Cemetery.

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