Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Bowling Green resident Leanne Joyce Spengler died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011

Leanne Joyce Spengler died quietly at home in Bowling Green on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011. Leanne was diagnosed with lymphoma incidental to digestive surgery in 2003. She battled the disease with the assistance of doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital, Chesterfield and Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis.

Leanne was born to George and Artis Doolittle Sept. 9, 1953 in Twin Falls, Idaho and she graduated from Kimberly Public Schools in 1971.

After working for a short time, Leanne began her collegiate education at Boise State University. Prior to her junior year, she transferred to the University of Idaho, Moscow and in 1976, she graduated with a degree in home economics education. While at the University of Idaho, Leanne met and married Michael Spenger on May 25, 1975. From 1976-88, Leanne taught home economics at Grangeville High School, Idaho. During this time, Leanne lived on and assisted with the operation of the Spengler family farm near Cottonwood, Idaho. A son, Stuart, was born to Mike and Leanne on Oct. 18, 1979.

In 1988, the Spengler family returned to the University of Idaho to pursue graduate degrees. Leanne successfully completed her master’s thesis in human development in May 1990. The family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho and Leanne found fulfillment with her colleagues and students teaching at the Magic Valley Alternative School, 1990-92. Employment with the University of Missouri as an extension human development specialist led the family first to Chillicothe and finally, for the past 15 years, to Bowling Green.

Although limited by recent health issues, Leanne was an active outdoor person.

Leanne is survived by her husband, Michael, at their home in Bowling Green and by their son, Stuart, Seattle, Wash.; Leanne’s mother, Artis Doolittle, lives in Kimberly, Idaho. Her sister, Lori Maloney, survives her in Hayward, Calif.

A memorial service was held in Bowling Green, in the Pike County Courthouse, third floor courtroom.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Copyright 2011 Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune. Some rights reserved

Source: http://www.chillicothenews.com

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