Alison ‘Allie’ Schanz: From Chocolates to Champion Arabians
VaLora’s Candy – A Granger Favorite
1979 West 3500 South – A Beloved Granger Favorite
The Mar-Dees Confectionary—later known as VaLora’s Candy and Ice Creamery—was one of the most beloved small shops along 3500 South. Located at 1979 W. 3500 South, it became a favorite stop for Granger and Hunter families in the 1960s and 1970s. Children remember the smell of warm chocolate, the big glass candy cases, and the kindness of owner Alison Tucker Schanz, who always greeted customers with a smile.
The owner of Alison Schanz
Allie Schanz – Candy Maker, Businesswoman, and Arabian Horse Champion
Alison “Allie” Tucker Schanz was a woman of remarkable talent and energy. Born May 1, 1922, in Colonial Juárez, Mexico—one of the historic Mormon colonies—she grew up as one of seven children. Her family moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah, when she was ten, where her parents, George Travers Tucker and Della Redd Spilsbury, instilled a powerful work ethic in their children. The “Tucker Boys” became well-known local athletes, and their loyalty and protective nature helped shape Allie into the fiercely determined and competitive woman she later became.
While working at Daynes Jewelry in Provo, she met Richard W. Schanz, whom she later married. Their lives took them to Tucson, Arizona—where their children, Eric and Jill, were born—and later to Seattle, Washington. Eventually the family returned to Utah and settled in Salt Lake City.
VaLora’s Candy & Ice Cream – A Local Success Story
Every icecream novelty came with a plastic animal.
Allie became the owner of VaLora’s Candy and Ice Cream, operating as many as five stores and supplying handmade chocolates to all ZCMI department stores. Her chocolate-dipping demonstrations were a highlight wherever she appeared. At the 1975 Utah State Fair, she presented “Old Fashioned Chocolate Dipping by Alison Schanz” on Stage 3, delighting the crowds with her skill and warm personality.
Schanz Arabians – Champions of the 1970s
Beyond candy making, Allie was widely respected in Utah’s Arabian horse community. Her company, Schanz Arabians, became known for producing champion horses throughout the 1970s.
At the Utah State Fair, her horses often placed at the top of the competition. In one notable year:
Juanita Barter of Arco, Idaho showed Pierrekomeyn, the grand champion stallion
Reed Workman of Salt Lake City took reserve champion
Alison Schanz of Salt Lake City showed Rubatai, who won grand champion honors
Her daughter Jill was also deeply involved, becoming a skilled rider and competitor in her own right. The Schanz family bred and raised multiple national champion Arabians, adding to their legacy in Utah’s equestrian history.
A Life of Creativity, Service, and Family
Allie and Dick later divorced after 27 years of marriage. From that point forward she devoted her life to her work, her children, and especially her grandchildren. She loved crafting, crocheting, sewing, baking, and making sure no one ever left her home hungry.
Alison “Allie” Tucker Schanz passed away on February 14, 2017, at the age of 94, in her own home—still living independently and surrounded by the things and the people she loved.
