Imogene Jeanette Spurzem

Imogene (Barris) Spurzem, 90, of Mesa passed away Sunday morning surrounded by family on March 15, 2026, just five days short of her 91st birthday. She was born in West Middlesex, PA on March 20,1935, a daughter of Arnold Leroy Barris and Imogene Drabert Barris.

Imogene, a.k.a “Jeanie,” graduated from West Middlesex High School in 1953 and moved to San Diego where she began her career with the phone company Mountain Bell, as an operator. There, she met the love of her life, Clifford V. Spurzem Sr., who was in the Navy. The two got married on Valentine’s Day in 1955 and moved back to her husband’s home state of Montana. After 26 years in cold country, she took a job transfer with the company (U.S. West Communications (formerly Mountain Bell) to Mesa, Arizona for warmer weather.

Jeanie enjoyed traveling and was always up for a card game, Rummy 500 anyone? She was also a proud member of the Eastern Star and Telephone Pioneers. Jeanie was a people lover. With a quick, kind-hearted wit and an infectious laugh, she could disarm you with her warm, wonderful smile. She loved life and always had a sparkle in her eye. Family was the most important thing in Jeanie’s life. She was very proud of her kids and is survived by her son, Clifford Victor Spurzem Jr., of Chandler, daughters, Jeanette Spurzem of Prescott Valley and Cheryl Roper (Spurzem) of Buckley, WA, and son, Lance Spurzem, of Mesa. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Casey Spurzem of Mesa, Kayla Spurzem of Glendale, AZ, Mason Brambila and Alexis Brambila of Prescott Valley, Brett and Sierra Roper of Buckley, WA, four great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Imogene was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Spurzem Sr., and her 10 siblings: Arnold, Virginia, Cinderella Mae, Mildred Jean, Bill, Caterine, Hazel, Nettie Belle, Jerry, and Bob.

Jeanie wanted her friends and family to remember the good times they had with her while she was alive rather than be saddened by her death. Her life will be celebrated with a small, private family service.