These are some ofthe things I will always remember about Mom. 

I remember all the Christmas mornings when Mom apologized for not being able to give me more than I had received. 
Somehow, she always managed to give me that one special gift I wanted most of all. I always felt guilty that I had 
received way more than I deserved. I always knew that she loved me. That was the most special gift of all. 
As a young boy, I remember all the fun times we had packing a picnic basket and spending the day at Lyttle Creek or 
Green Valley Lake or going up to Big Bear to play in the winter snow. Those were good times and I have fond memories 
of them. 

I remember all the tents and forts Mom helped us kids build using clothing pins, old sheets and blankets and cardboard 
boxes she had dragged home from the market. She always praised our achievements in their construction. She made us 
feel proud. 

I remember the many all-nighters where Mom gave up her sleeping hours to help me finish a school report that I had 
put off doing until the very last minute. She never scolded me but asked me to try and do better next time. 

I remember all the useful lessons Mom taught us kids while we were driving somewhere in the car. She had a captive 
audience and she put the time to good use. Her lessons were always informative but she also made them fun. She never 
forced us to learn. She made us want to learn. She would have made a wonderful school teacher. In fact kids would 
often come up to her and ask if she was a school teacher. She had the pleasant mannerisms and bearing of your favorite 
teacher. 

I remember asking her many times the meaning or the correct spelling of a word. Mom always responded with "you 
know where the dictionary is. Go and get it. I'll help you if you really need help. But I think you can do it all by yourself. 
She challenged you while offering her praise of your ability to do it on your own. 
As a young boy, I remember Mom emphasizing that I should always show respect for the feelings of others. She would 
ask me to think how I would feel if someone said something mean or disrespectful to me. It was her version of "Do unto 
others". 

I feel extremely fortunate that Mom was able to stay at home and raise us kids while we were younger. I think it was the 
most important and most valuable factor in my upbringing. She was a wonderful parent, a great teacher and my best 
friend. I will forever miss her. 

I love you Mom. I always will. 

Nelson, her son.

I am Verna's son in law Bryan Dunaj. 

Although many make mother in law jokes and are at odds with their relationship. Mine was the opposite. We got along quite well. In fact I was more than happy to ask Verna to our home on many occasions. 

I always thought that Verna did show a resemblance to Maureen O'Hara. Her middle name is Lennea as is my wife first name Lynnea spelled a bit different. In Swedish it means beautiful flower and in both case it is certainly true.

Verna was very creative and talented. From making sure that she had extra branches to make her Christmas tree perfect to my fondest memories of Halloween. As my three sons grew Halloween was one of our favorite holidays. This is where their grandmother showed and displayed her talent and creative nature.

While waiting for the usual trick or treater. We heard a knock sounding very different from the rest. As the door opened there stood a real Witch complete with a tall hat , long  black and grey hair, calico dress and of course her riding broom and steaming caldron.

As we watched she looked like she was gliding throughout the house. Then she would call for the boys who lived there. All the while giving a perfect dissertation of Macbeths. Toil Toil Boil and trouble. Perfect to the letter. Still reciting she would sit with her caldron boiling dropping in a snake or toad or worm. Then she would ask if anyone was brave enough to give the Old Witch a kiss. 
As the brave one gave her a kiss she magically turned into Grandma Spangler. And from that day forward she was know by the boys as Grandma Witch Spangler.

So I truly called my mother in law a Witch but in a loving respectful manner.

Farewell for we all will meet again.

Bryan

I am Verna's son in law Bryan Dunaj. 

Although many make mother in law jokes and are at odds with their relationship. Mine was the opposite. We got along quite well. In fact I was more than happy to ask Verna to our home on many occasions. 

I always thought that Verna did show a resemblance to Maureen O'Hara. Her middle name is Lennea as is my wife first name Lynnea spelled a bit different. In Swedish it means beautiful flower and in both case it is certainly true.

Verna was very creative and talented. From making sure that she had extra branches to make her Christmas tree perfect to my fondest memories of Halloween. As my three sons grew Halloween was one of our favorite holidays. This is where their grandmother showed and displayed her talent and creative nature.

While waiting for the usual trick or treater. We heard a knock sounding very different from the rest. As the door opened there stood a real Witch complete with a tall hat,long  black and grey hair, calico dress and of course her riding broom and steaming caldron.

As we watched she looked like she was gliding throughout the house. Then she would call for the boys who lived there. All the while giving a perfect dissertation of Macbeths. Toil Toil Boil and trouble. Perfect to the letter. Still reciting she would sit with her caldron boiling dropping in a snake or toad or worm. Then she would ask if anyone was brave enough to give the Old Witch a kiss. 
As the brave one gave her a kiss she magically turned into Grandma Spangler. And from that day forward she was know by the boys as Grandma Witch Spangler.

So I truly called my mother in law a Witch but in a loving respectful manner.

Farewell for we all will meet again.

Bryan

Even though I was not able to be with the family today at Aunt Verna's Service, I want you to know that I kept a close watch on the clock and had you in my heart, prayers and thoughts as you honored your Mother's memory today.  I loved to all.

I was saddened to hear of Verna's passing. She was a beautiful person. Thank you so much for sharing all the wonderful pictures. She had a unforgettable smile, I will always remember that!

Verna was married to Mark's first cousin and was one of our last surviving links with the Spangler clan.  We enjoyed her generous spirit and hospitality when visiting with Aunt Dot in Riverside in the late 80's, and we kept in touch with Christmas notes and tales as our families grew.  How blessed you were to have her these many years - she was so proud of you all and we know that Nels Boyd has welcomed her with open arms.  God bless you all.  Mark and Connie Starrett

Dear Spangler family, we are sad to hear of Verna dying. We enjoyed the few times we spent with her when we visited California. She was a beautiful lady, Karyn said she had the most beautiful skin. Thanks for including us in your memories of your :Mom".  Love from Cousin Dicky Olson(Walter,s boy)  and Karyn

Verna was a wonderful Aunt.  Some of my best memories are the two week summer vacations Carol and I spent with her.  My favorite was when I was sick, but when the Ice Cream man came I told Aunt Verna a blue popsicle would make me all better....guess what, it did!  She also took the movie film of Kendra's first steps.  Verna was a very thoughtful person. She loved her kids with all her heart!  Love you and miss you.

You will be miss.  May you rest in peace.  And to your family she was a great person.

OBITUARY

Verna Lennea Spangler

September 23, 1932 – March 24, 2012

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

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