Leanne Joyce Doolittle Spengler died quietly at her home in Bowling Green, Missouri on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Leanne was diagnosed with lymphoma incidental to digestive surgery in 2003. She battled the disease with the assistance of doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri and Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Leanne was born on September 11, 1953 in Twin Falls, Idaho the daughter of George and Artis Jean Doolittle. She attended the first grade in Twin Falls before the Doolittle family moved to Kimberly, Idaho where she graduated from Kimberly High School in 1971. After working for a short time, Leanne began her collegiate education at Boise State University. Prior to her junior year, she transferred to the University of Idaho in Moscow where she graduated in 1976 with a degree in Home Economics Education. While at the University of Idaho, Leanne met and married Michael Spengler on May 25, 1975. From 1976 until 1988 Leanne taught Home Economics at Grangeville High School. During this time, Leanne lived on and assisted in the operation of the Spengler family farm near Cottonwood. A son, Stuart was born to Mike and Leanne on October 18, 1979.
In 1988, the Spengler family returned to the University of Idaho to pursue graduate degrees. Leanne successfully completed her master studies in Home Economics/Human Development in May 1990. The family then moved to Twin Falls, and Leanne found great fulfillment with her colleagues and students teaching at the Magic Valley Alternative School in 1990 - 1992.
Employment with the University of Missouri, as an extension Human Development specialist lead the Spengler family, first to Chillicothe, Missouri and ultimately for the past fifteen years to Bowling Green.
Leanne was a member of the Kimberly Christian Church and Jobs Daughters.
Although limited by recent health issues, Leanne was an active outdoor person. Walking, bicycling and skiing were enjoyed as recreational activities. Marrying a farmer, Leanne came to the agricultural activities of crop and cattle production as a much appreciated and positive team player. Lately, Leanne’s activities focused on reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting and music appreciation.
Leanne is survived by her husband; Michael of Bowling Green, a son; Stuart of Seattle, Washington. Her mother; Artis Doolittle in Kimberly, Idaho a sister; Lori (Bob) Maloney of Hayward, California and two nephews; Riley Maloney and Spencer Maloney also of Hayward.
She was preceded in death by her father; George and her grandparents; Mae and Justin Doolittle and Archie and Georgia Martin.
Through her educational career, Leanne has effected and in turn been affected by her many students. She was a happy and a forward looking role model. Leanne is loved and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know her.
A celebration of Leanne’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park’ with Pastor Steelman J. Borden, officiating. Inurnment in follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Twin Falls. Memorial contributions in Leanne’s name may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Gateway Chapter, 77 West Port Plaza, Suite 480, St. Louis, Missouri 63146. To share a memory of Leanne or to offer condolences to Leanne’s family please visit www.whitemortuary.com
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