Ianeta "Neta" (Te'o) Olson

     Ianeta or better known as “Neta” Te’o Olson went home to be with our Lord above and became one of our Guardian Angels on the day before her birthday, which was in the early morning hours of May 2nd, 2020 in Walker, Missouri.  She would have been 69 years old.  She was born May 3rd, 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…she cherished and embraced every moment with her grandchildren.  She had a vivacious personality, always smiling and laughing and telling jokes.  But don’t let the bubbliness fool you for she has a knack of telling it like it is or voicing her opinion whether it’s asked for or not.  Neta was well known for her delicious baked goods, especially her banana breads and the round panikeke that’s a favorite amongst her grandchildren.  She also loved to cook and she really loved to eat.  She loved to sew, crochet, gardening and considered herself an expert at bingo.

     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.  She served as a Church Deacon under the guidance of her Spiritual Parents Rev. Faletoi and Violina Uso.  She was also a diligent member of the Church Womens Fellowship Group and the Church Development Committee.  Neta was God-fearing and steadfast in her faith…a humble servant who loved her church, loved her family, loved life and she lived it to the fullest!  She will truly be missed by many.

     Neta is survived by her four daughters:  Dr. Mavis Alaimalo of Aiea HI, Maryanne Elisara (Eli) of Vailoatai, American Samoa, Jerrinette Trepanier (Joseph) of Lewisville, Texas, Crystal Jenkins (Bill) of Cape Fair, Missouri and 14 grandchildren.  She is also survived by five sisters; Puna Finau (American Samoa), Avau Fa’aesea and Muliaiga Sapini (Nevada), Ele’elesa Te’o (Alaska), Tina Taylor (Missouri), and 7 brothers: Jimmy Fruean (New Zealand), Johnny Fruean (Alaska), Peni Sr. and Rev. Sapini Te’o (American Samoa), Kipeona Te’o (Hawai’i), Malala Sapini (California), Toma Sapini (Nevada), along with 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 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada, MO.

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