Ianeta “Neta” Te’o Olson

Ianeta “Neta” Te’o Olson, 68, was a resident of Walker, Mo., when she passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2020, after a brief illness. She was born May 3, 1951, in Vailoatai, American Samoa, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Te’o Sapini and A’aifou Potoa’e Su’a.

Neta was a devoted Mother and loving Grandmother. She treasured her children but especially loved her role as Nana and embraced every moment with her grandchildren. She had a vivacious personality, always smiling and laughing and telling jokes. But don’t let that bubbliness fool you for she’s known to voicing her opinion and a knack for telling it like it is. Neta was also known for her delicious baked goods, especially her banana breads and panipopo or coconut buns. She loved to cook and loved to eat. She also loved to sew, crochet, play bingo and gardening.

Prior to leaving American Samoa in 2018 to spend time with her daughters and grandchildren stateside, Neta was an active member of the Vailoatai Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa. For many years she served as a Church Deacon, and a member of the Church Women’s Fellowship and the Church Development Committee. Neta was a God-fearing woman who loved her church, loved her family, loved life and she lived it to the fullest!

Neta is survived by her four daughters, Dr. Mavis Alaimalo of Aiea, Hawaii, Maryanne Elisara (Eli) of Vailoatai, American Samoa, Jerrinette Trepanier (Joseph) of Lewisville, Texas, and Crystal Jenkins (Bill) of Cape Fair, Mo.; and 14 grandchildren. She is also survived by five sisters, Punaotala Finau (American Samoa), Avau Fa’aesea and Muliaiga Sapini (Nevada), Ele’elesa Te’o (Alaska), and Tina Taylor (Missouri); seven brothers, Jimmy Fruean (New Zealand), Johnny Fruean (Alaska), Peni Te’o Sr. and Rev. Sapini Te’o (American Samoa), Kipeona Te’o (Hawaii), Malala Sapini (California), and Toma Sapini (Nevada); and several nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Tala’ave Leituala; her brother, Rev. Mafoa Sapini Sr.; and son-in-law, Dr. Ernest Alaimalo.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 29, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, Mo.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.