Betty Spangler

Betty A. Spangler left her earthly body behind and passed into the waiting arms of Jesus where she received a renewal of mind, body, and spirit on September 11, 2016. She was born on July 29, 1944 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Wayne and Barbara (Bryant) Stamm. Betty graduated from Topeka HighSchool and Washburn University with a Bachelor's in Social Work.

She was married to Ray Spangler on April 16, 1967. Whether it was personal, professional, or spiritual, Betty's life was centered around service to others. As her family grew, hours were spent volunteering in her children and grandchildren's schools and activities. You could find Betty in any audience where her children or grandchildren were performing or playing, no matter how far the geographic location. This was the perfect excuse for getting Ray to satisfy her love of travel. Professionally, she founded and directed the Mother's Day Out Preschool program at Tecumseh United Methodist Church for eighteen years, where she cared for numerous children and touched countless families' lives. Betty worked for the Girl Scouts of America and through her church, she selflessly volunteered, always having a positive impact on those around her. Nothing brought Betty greater joy than her family.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ray Spangler; two daughters, Sherri Monhollon (Jay) and Susan Holmes (Doug); one son, Rod Spangler (Jodelle); nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Patty Diehl and Wayne Stamm, Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Parsons.

Family will greet friends on Thursday, September 15 at First United Methodist Church (Topeka) from 4 to 5 p.m. followed by a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Northeast Kansas or Aldersgate Village Good Samaritan Fund.