Shirlee Spencer

Shirlee D. Spencer born on July 4, 1936 passed away on the morning of January 14, 2012 at the age of 75 years. After a courageous 3 month battle with cancer, Shirlee passed away peacefully at her home in Toppenish, Washington. Shirlee was born and raised in White Swan, WA., by her beloved grandmother the late Ollie Spencer. She attended school in White Swan till her 9th grade year, of which she transferred to Saint Euphrasia Catholic School in Seattle, and graduated in May-1954. After graduating, Shirlee earned a full scholarship from the Seattle Post Intelligencer to attend college at Seattle University. After returning home to White Swan, Shirlee also attended and graduated from the Yakima Business College in May-1974. Shirlee was the daughter of the late James Moses Spencer, and Dorothy Estimo of Toppenish, WA. During her life Shirlee was married to the late Thomas Gerald Spegar from Seattle, WA., then to the late Melvin Miller Sr. of Wapato, WA., and then finally to the late Frank Andrew Spencer from Toppenish, WA. Shirlee will always be remembered as a devoted Catholic and mother, with her beloved children being: the late Richard Allen Spencer, Raymond A. Spencer (Tina Louise), James F. Spencer, Byron R. Spencer, Renee F. Spencer, and Serena R. Spencer. Treasured grandchildren: James F. Spencer Jr. from Lapwing, ID., Samantha S. Spencer (Luke) of Ellensburg, WA., Leslie D. Spencer-Bursch (Timothy) from Lewiston, ID., Richard A. Spencer (Rachelle) of Auburn, WA., Joshua E. McConville-Spencer of Lapwai, ID., Asa J. Spencer (Rachel) of Spokane, WA., Jessica Spencer from Pendleton, OR., Byron R. Spencer Jr. of Wapato, WA., Jovan W. Spencer of Toppenish, WA.,Latasha Spencer from Nespelem, WA., Alexandra Laws of Granger, WA., Tashena R. Spencer from Alburquerque, NM., and Raymond A. Spencer of Lapwai, ID., Sierra R. Spencer from Athens, Al., along with numerous other grandchildren & great grandchildren. A special recognition also goes out to Harry & Jeanne Smiskin for all their help in her time of need, the Sohappy family (Larena, Viola, Amelia & Lena),her life sister Anita Sampson, best friends Loretta Braden, Arlen Olney, Tessie William (Pendleton, OR), Amelia Sohappy, Coco Jimenez, Andy & staff of Wapato Pawn, Raelyn Brock, Ashley Strom, Leticia Chavez, Debra Byrd and Sarah Parrish-Torres from the HR Dept. of Legends Casino, and the Hospice RN’s Sheila L. and Olga; all who were both supportive and loving to her during her final days. Along with other countless friends and family from all over, Shirlee will be remembered for her big smile and devotion to Legends Casino of which she was thee tribal member recognized as the motion maker for General Council proposal for the master sight plan & expansion for Legends new hotel. During her life Shirlee worked for the Yakama Nation Review as a reporter from 1970-1984; Mt. Adams Furniture Factory 1989-1992; Yakama Nation Cultural Resources 1993-1997; Legends Casino 1998-2012. Shirlee will be remembered as an avid Seattle Supersonics fan, she also enjoyed the Pendleton Round-Up Indian Encampment, and she was a life-long Toppenish Wildcat Booster. Her hobbies were creating a Yakama Indian Language Booklet, root digging, berry picking and gardening. Shirlee was preceded in death by her eldest son Richard A. Spencer, (father) James Moses Spencer, (mother) Dorothy Estimo, (Grandmother) Ollie Spencer. Shirlee touched the lives of many people with her loving smile and generous heart and maintained her Catholic faith all the way to the end. Friends and family are invited to attend the dressing services on Wednesday at Colonial Funeral Home at 2PM with visitation to follow. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 5PM at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Thursday at 10AM. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Friends may send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Shirlee Spencer

July 4, 1936 - January 14, 2012

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

Shirlee Spencer

July 4, 1936 - January 14, 2012

Navigation

Address

Contact Us

365 Days of Grief Support