Mary Spangler

Mary Overholt Spangler passed away peacefully on October 29, 2015, at Otterbein Portage Valley at age 92. Born on May 3, 1923 to Clyde Lee and Mary Dashner Overholt in Covington, VA, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Albert T. Spangler and her dear sister Shirley Clara Paben. It was Shirley who introduced Mary to Albert Spangler, who was stationed at the time with the U.S. Army in nearby White Sulphur Springs, VA. Mary and Al wed on June 8, 1946, and Al remained the love of her life for nearly 40 years, until his death in 1985. After their marriages, Mary and Shirley both settled in the Toledo area and enjoyed a special closeness and many wonderful memories with one another’s families. In marrying Al, Mary became a part of the large extended family of the Spangler Candy Company, several of whom lived nearby in Maumee for many years. Mary was always a champion of Dums Dums and the Company, and was so very proud to be a part of that family legacy. She enjoyed sharing Spangler candy with her friends, and loved taking people on tours of the factory in Bryan, OH. It seems she was almost destined to become a Spangler and had the requisite sweet tooth, as after high school she worked at Fishman’s Five and Dime in Covington - at the candy counter! She and Al enjoyed many wonderful family gatherings in both Maumee and Bryan, as well as at the family cottage at Clear Lake, IN. A devout Christian, Mary read her Bible daily and was an inspiring example of putting her Christianity into action. A lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Maumee, she was an active and devoted servant in many capacities, and was thrilled to once travel to the Holy Land. For several years she conducted the church nursery program from her basement and led Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops. She and Al also took in several foster children, always looking to give beyond themselves. Mary also served on the Altar Guild and Women’s Auxiliary for many years, and was an elected delegate to the church’s annual diocesan convention for several years as President of the Women’s Ecumenical Council. But perhaps her favorite service was that of running various departments for the church’s annual rummage sales, which she enjoyed doing up to her 90th birthday! Granting all this, it was Mary’s unbridled joy of living that will remain her greatest legacy. She was both magnanimous and humble – always taking a loving pride in what she had and sharing generously with others, particularly reaching out to those in sickness, sorrow, or need of any kind. She deeply loved her Maumee community and neighborhood, her home and gardens, and mostly her extended family, her church friends, and neighbors. She had a gleeful love of children, being honored as godparent to several and “Grandma Mary” to many. Her zest for living and trying new things was joyful – like going on a motorcycle ride with her son in her mid-eighties! And if you were an acquaintance of hers, you were a treasured friend. As one of her friends so aptly stated: “Mary, you epitomize ‘Love they neighbor’…” Always a smile, always something kind or nice to say, and a genuine love for each person, every day – this was her magic we will miss, but that will live on in all those that knew her. The family would like to thank all those who were a part of Mary’s life, as you were truly her joy. Special thanks to the wonderful staff and care-takers at Otterbein Portage Valley for making her home there so warm and special, and for their unending compassion and kindness. We are also grateful for the devoted care and professional care recently received from the nursing staffs at Gentiva Hospice and Right At Home Perrysburg. She is survived by her three children: James, Becki (Peyton Bland), and Stephen (Cindy), and by grandchildren James, Amy, Stephanie, Thomas, Dawn, and Lindsey, as well as four great-grandchildren (Naia, Sarah, Olivia and Maren). Visitation will be Sunday, November 1, 2015 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee. The Celebration of Life service will be Monday, November 2, 2015 at 11:00am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 310 Elizabeth St., Maumee. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.