Minniver H. T. (Galliver) Spence was born in Barnstaple, England on February 22, 1927 to Archibald Ernest Galliver and Gertrude Tucker Galliver. She entered her eternal home on January 16, 2019 at a care facility in Belton.
Minniver (Betty) was the youngest of the seven children. She met and married her husband, Soren E. Spence during WWII while he was serving in the U.S. Army. It was then she was given the name, Betty by Soren, when she refused to tell him her name. On November 11, 1944, they were married in Torquay, England. They were married for 67 years. The military life led them to live in many places and allowed them to travel all over the world. They called Killeen home. Minniver was a homemaker. This was a job she took very seriously. During Soren’s many deployments, she kept the family unit strong. She will always be remembered for her love of cooking. Her homemade sausage rolls, pies, almond macaroons and cinnamon rolls were among the favorites. Many years were spent as a faithful volunteer at the Fort Hood Thrift Shop.
Minniver was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jack, Arch and Sid, sisters Mary, Stella and Ivy, husband Soren and her daughter Dianne Spence Benson. She is survived by three children; Donald, wife Marilyn, Spence of Plano, TX; Teresa, husband Jackie, Rogers of Fayette, Alabama and Barbara, husband Robbie, Speed of Temple; eleven grandchildren, Bob McClenahan, Karen Case, Adam Spence, Brian Spence, Angie Mosier, Christopher Rogers, Jason Rogers, Stephanie Markham , Kristin Coffield, Andrew Speed and Rebekah Clayton.; twenty-two great grandchildren, Jake and Tyler McClenahan; Adam, Brain, and Caleb Case; Walker, Ayla, Rilyn, Avery Kate, Olivia, Rowan and William Spence; Brynn Mosier; Cinclare and Julianna Rogers; Hannah Kate Markham ; Soren and Atticus Coffield, Gavin and Koen Speed, Graham and Spencer Clayton; nieces and nephews; many friends.
Minniver and Soren were members of the First United Methodist Church in Killeen. They spent many years working with the Methodist Youth Fellowship. After Soren’s passing in 2012, Minniver attended church and Bible Study at StoneyBrook of Belton led by Dub and Wendy Falsone.
The family wishes to thank the staff at both StoneyBrook of Belton and Creekside Terrace for caring for our mother in a loving respectful manner. A special thanks to Ann, who made sure Betty’s hair and nails made her feel as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside.
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 Saturday, February 2, 2019 in the Historic Chapel of Salado United Methodist Church in Salado. A Private Burial will precede the service at Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX
