Glenda Barrett Spate

Glenda was preceded in death by her beloved son, Ronald William Spate; her parents, William and Blanche Barrett; her sister, Billie Jean Heck; and her twin sister, Linda Nitsche, Brother in Law Jimmie Siegeler, and nephews Jamin Nitsche and William Siegeler.

Glenda loved her Lord deeply and lived her life as a reflection of her faith. From the time she was a baby, her mother raised her attending the First Baptist Church in Giddings, where her lifelong devotion to God began. Wherever she and her family lived, Glenda always found a church home and community to serve. She taught children’s Bible study at Glen Hills Baptist Church in Georgia and was a charter member of Eastside Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, TX, where she remained an active and faithful member.

Glenda grew up in Giddings, TX, and graduated from Giddings High School in 1963. She was a cheerleader for three years and head cheerleader her senior year, a student council representative during her junior year, and class treasurer as a senior. In her younger years, Glenda also took part in local beauty pageants and once appeared on a parade float–memories that reflected her bright smile, confidence, and charm that carried throughout her life. After graduation, she attended Durham Business College in Austin, TX.

While living in Austin, Glenda met the love of her life, Ronald M Spate, and they married in 1967. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and faith. As an Army family, they lived in San Pedro, CA; Eatontown, NJ; Augusta, GA; Anchorage, AK; and finally settled in Copperas Cove, TX, after Ronald’s retirement in 1981.

Glenda had a generous heart and a joyful spirit that shone through everything she did. She served her community through the Rabbit Fest and Oktoberfest Committees in Copperas Cove and was known for her kindness, energy, and willingness to help others.

She was also an avid golfer and an active member of the Copperas Cove Ladies Golf Association, Killeen Ladies Golf Association, and Heart of Texas Ladies Golf Association. Glenda loved traveling to tournaments with friends and playing “Guys and Dolls” events with her husband Ron. She even achieved two hole-in-ones during her golfing years! Though she eventually had to give up the game for health reasons, she treasured the memories and friendships she made along the way.

Glenda loved to travel–whether it was school trips in her youth, family vacations, casino trips, or cruises with friends and family after retirement.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Glenda was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother whose love and pride in her children and grandchildren knew no bounds. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren at their sports, activities, and life accomplishments, and she celebrated every milestone with a full heart. Her home was a place of warmth and comfort, where her delicious homemade cooking embodied the essence of Southern hospitality and brought family and friends together.

Throughout her professional life, Glenda exemplified dedication and excellence. She worked in Civil Service in Alaska for 2 1/2 years and at Fort Hood for six years, later joining her husband in his insurance office for sixteen years. She then worked as an administrative assistant for a government contractor at Fort Hood for nine years, where she made many lasting friendships and enjoyed traveling across the U.S. testing new equipment before retiring in 2009.

Glenda is survived by her loving husband, Ronald; daughter Shari Taylor and husband Sean of Celina, TX; son Ronnie Spate of Copperas Cove, TX; grandsons Ethan Taylor and his wife Emma, Will Taylor of Celina, TX, and Daniel Spate of Copperas Cove, TX; sister Ollie Siegeler of Giddings, TX; and brother Robert Barrett and wife Rebekah of Suwanee, GA.

A Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday November 18th at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, TX. a Funeral Service will begin at 11am on Wednesday November 19th at Eastside Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, TX followed by the Committal Service at 2pm at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

Her love, faith, and gentle spirit will continue to inspire her family and all whose lives she so deeply touched.

She will be deeply missed.