Caroline Whitman Spangler

January 30, 1919 – February 5, 2016

Sally was born in El Paso, Texas to Katherine Leslie Whitman and Earl Hill Whitman in 1919. The little family soon moved to Colorado and Sally was living in Leadville when Richard Spangler was born and lived just down the street. They were childhood playmates and school “pals” as their families moved from one mining town to another. Sally lived in Leadville, Tiger, and Alamosa. Her sister Nancy was born when Sally was 8. When she graduated from Leadville High School in 1937 she went to Stanford to study Chemistry. Due to the beginning of WWII she returned to Colorado and finished her studies at the University of Colorado. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in Chemistry in 1941 and on June 21 of that same year married Richard Spangler.

Sally and Rich (Dick) lived in Salt Lake City, Denver, Washington DC, and back to Denver. They loved traveling and made sure their children learned to love travel and learning about new things. They had three children: Katherine (John) Peterson; Richard (Mary K) Spangler; and Rebecca (Bruce) Kerr. Six Grandchildren followed: Eric Peterson, David Spangler, Ken Spangler, Kristin Kubosh, Jaime Kerr, and Alison Tillotson. To add spice to the later years 14 Great Grandchildren made keeping track of birthdays a challenge. Family was always a priority and nieces and nephews were always included in family events.

The mountains always held a special place in Sally’s heart. The mountain flowers drew her each summer and she and Rich used to take lots of pictures and hike in the meadows. They also enjoyed taking off-road trips with “the chicken club” over little known passes and into areas of Colorado not seen unless you hike or jeep to the area.

Her yard was full of flowers and bird feeders. The chairs had to be arranged so she could see the bird feeders rather than the television so everyone knew what was important.

Sally always loved traveling and she and Rich traveled extensively after his retirement. She visited all 50 states and every continent except Antarctica. Although Sally never worked outside the home she called herself a professional volunteer. She was active in PEO and Assistance League as well as many other organizations. She was compassionate and when she couldn’t volunteer her services she often donated funds to support groups to make the world a better place. Being environmentally conscious she insisted that they purchase a Prius as soon as they were available.

Sally wanted her family to remember her “as a stubborn independent but loving understanding tolerant accepting Mother and Grandmother who loved being an active part of your lives. You have been the joy of my life always.” She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, nieces, and nephews, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 23rd. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to The Nature Conservancy.