"Mrs. Staley taught both my kids at Rockwell-Swaledale...great teacher & awesome person. I posted her obit on my FB...I wish the family could see the outpouring of respect, admiration & appreciation from former students & their parents. God Bless You & Your Memory Carolou...you made a difference in this world. "
In loving memory of
Carolou Staley-Elphic
March 15, 1934 - December 26, 2014
Carolou Staley-Elphic, 80, of Iowa Falls, Iowa, passed away Friday, December 26, 2014, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa. She was born on March 15, 1934, in Ames, Iowa, to Dale and Mildred Lucille (Holdredge) Jackson. Carolou graduated from Iowa Falls High School, Ellsworth Community College, Wartburg College and Iowa State University. She was married to Jerry Staley on December 20, 1953; they later divorced. Carolou then married Clair Frank Elphic on October 4, 1997; he preceded her in death on January 6, 2003. She taught school at Rockwell-Swaledale and Hampton. Carolou was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, the Acorns to Oaks Mother's club, was part of History and Heritage, was a former member of the Hampton United Methodist Church and was a member of the First Congregational Church in Iowa Falls. She enjoyed nature, playing cards with friends, spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, reading, swimming, eating out and having conversations with friends. Carolou is survived by her children Brad (Susan) Staley of Hampton, Teresa (David) Fox of Hampton and Tami Ridout of Eldora, grandchildren Tara (Sean) Lyons of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Kyle Staley of Seattle, Washington, Erik Fox of Zumbrota, Minnesota, Megan (Brandon) Fischer of Underwood, Iowa, Morgan Ridout of Eldora, and Gavin Ridout of Eldora, great-grandchildren Christopher Lyons, Jonathan Lyons, Charlie Lyons, Michael Lyons, William Lyons and Brody Fischer, special friend Richard Vroman, and nieces Brooke Pagano of Des Moines and Tracie (Tim) Leners of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her parents Dale and Mildred, husband Clair Elphic and brother Larry Jackson.
Memorials may be sent to Calkins Nature Area, Iowa Falls, Iowa.
Tributes
"Ms. Staley was my 5th and 6th grade teacher. I thought she was a warm, friendly, and fun teacher. I still have a journal that I kept from her class and it is filled with her comments. Lastly, I remember doing fun science experiments in her class. I am grateful I had her as a student. "
"Teresa, Brad, Tami and families, I'm so sorry for your loss. Carolou will be missed by everyone who knew her. She will always have a place in my heart and in my childhood memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. "
"Dear Teresa and siblings--your mom was so kind and thoughtful. She always visited whether it was Walmart -Hyvee-or on the street in Hampton or Iowa falls--I truly appreciated her caring throughout many years we kept up on you all-especially you, Teresa, the pretty little trumpet player. Please know how much I care-Pam Schwieger"
"Carolou was part of a Bible Study with me and other ladies of our generation at the Coffee Attic. I so admired her as she continued to do substitute teaching and was an officer for the Scenic City Retired School Personnel. Praise to the Lord for her life among us. Praise she now abides with the Lord in heaven."
"Teresa, Dave, Brad, Susan, Tami, and families: I'm so sorry for your loss-all of you were her favorite part of living. I have so many happy memories with Carolou and your family. She left an impact on many with her genuine, caring, positive life. One of my favorite "classic Carolou" stories is when she was opening Christmas gifts from her students one year, and being ever generous, shared a gift of a jar of candies with her students. A short time later, a girl said, "Mrs. Staley, something's wrong with this candy." Carolou took a look and yelled, "Oh my gosh, do not eat that, it's bath beads!" I'll continue to smile when I think of her. Love,"
"A generous, caring soul that will be missed."