Shirley J. Spangler

On December 3, 2024, Shirley J. Spangler passed away at The Tuckahoe in the Lakewood Senior Living Community in Richmond’s West End. She was 93 years young. Shirley was born April 26, 1931 in Paxtang, Pennsylvania the only daughter of Helen Eckert Schwartz and Arthur McKinley Eckert Sr. Sadly, her father died from injuries sustained in World War I when she was only 6 weeks old, a regret Shirley had all her life that she did not grow up knowing him. She lived with her mom and older brother, Arthur (Skip) Eckert Jr. whom she adored. She graduated from Eichelberger High School in 1949 in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She then attended St. Joseph’s Academy for Art and graduated from Millersville State Teachers College, both in Pennsylvania. She taught art to children for several years after that. Eventually, she was a well-loved teacher at All Saints Episcopal Preschool here in Richmond. She spent many happy days teaching and creating art with children.

In 1954, she met the love of her life, Grant “Bud” Spangler. Together they built a family that they nurtured and loved unconditionally.

Shirley’s husband, Grant predeceased her but she leaves behind her three children: Susan “Sue” Spangler Hartman, Edward Grant “Ned” Spangler and his wife, Mary. Thomas “Tom” Spangler and his wife Cindy. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Neal Hartman, Kalee Hartman, Emily Spangler Sinclair (Hunter), Grant Spangler (Kathy), Yancey Spangler (Rachel), Hunter Spangler (Tate), Kemp Spangler, and Peyton Spangler. Great grandchildren, Mary Bryce, Ford, Gracie, Maggie, and Mila.

After Shirley’s children were grown, she was free to pursue her passion for art. She dabbled in many mediums and never met a bright color she didn’t like. She was prolific with her creations and paintings. She delighted in gifting friends and family with her many works. In her latter years at Lakewood, she continued painting and creating well into her 90’s.

She was a longtime member of The Tri Club and The Tuckahoe Women’s Club. She was a lifetime and dedicated member of Epiphany Lutheran Church. She also spent many long and happy days at Avalon Pool, a short walk from her house. Before he passed away in 2017, she and Bud also spent many contented days with friends in Pawley’s Island and traveling the country.

Her family will always remember her as a wonderful mother and grandmother with a great sense of humor, an inspired artist, and an eccentric with a love of colorful clothes and shoes and eclectic hats.

The family would also like to thank the staff and residents at the Lakewood Senior Living Community for providing such a loving environment for Shirley for the past ten years. We also especially would like to thank Joyce Richardson for providing loving care during her frequent visits to see Shirley these last few years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church.

A celebration of life will be held at Lakewood’s Simms Center at 10:30 am on January 10th. Reception to follow afterwards. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Epiphany Lutheran Church.