Rachel Ernestine (Anderson) Spangler went to be with the Lord God on March 9, 2022.
Rachel was proud of her Swedish heritage. Her father, John Arthur Anderson, was from Sheffield, PA, and her mother, Alma Amelia (Swanson) Anderson immigrated from Sweden in 1900.
Rachel was a 1941 graduate of Warren Area High School. She was a self-trained, talented hairdresser.
Rachel met her beloved husband, George, on a double date with her close friend, Arlene Hornstrom. George was a decorated World War II veteran, leading a coastal artillery battery at age 21. He also served in the U.S. occupational force in Germany during the Korean conflict.
Rachel was a 90-year member of the Calvary Baptist Church, residing just one block from the original Swedish Baptist Church on Redwood Street. She taught Sunday School for many years at the church and had a special heart for the youth from the Children’s Home who attended the church when it moved to its new structure on Conewango Avenue. She also served as a deaconess for many years at the church.
Rachel was a kind and caring mother and grandmother who was first to volunteer to lead youth activities. She served as a Brownie leader for the Girl Scouts. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for the Boy Scouts. Rachel also was a leader for the church’s girl’s youth program Girls Meeting God (GMG).
Rachel worked at the G.C. Murphy store, as an assistant for Dr. John Lasher, and as hostess at the Penn-Laurel Inn.
Rachel had several close friends. Margaret (Peg) (Blick) Donham and Lois (Gustafson) Frederick in her school years. She enjoyed baking Swedish rye bread and making jelly and Swedish Korv with her close friend Arlene Hornstrom and going on adventures with Arlene and their friend Mary Lou Graham.
Rachel was active in the WAHS Class of 1941 school reunions and luncheons enjoying many good times.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents (John Arthur – 1958 and Alma – 1961), a sister (at birth), and her husband George William Spangler on July 31, 1996.
Rachel is survived by her daughter, Deborah Spangler-Dwyer, her children, Sarah (companion Peter), Daniel (companion Heather); and her son, James (wife – Susie), step grandchildren Aiden Neiport (wife – Emily) and their children Hunter and Connor, and Brian Neiport (wife – Colleen) and their children Carter and Mia.
Friends may call the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA on Monday, March 14, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 am on Monday, with the Rev. Lee Beckes, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Shriners Hospital, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505, Calvary Baptist Church of Warren, 445 Conewango Ave., Warren, PA 16365, The Sharing Place c/o First Presbyterian Church of Warren, 300 Market St., Warren, PA 16365.
So sorry for your loss. I am Rachel’s cousin Romayne Sharp on my mother’s side (Anderson)
Thank you for your note. Mom often mentioned you, always as “cousin Romayne.” Part of our visits included naming all 8 brothers and sisters from John Arthur down to Aunt Eva. Mom would smile and say: “That’s right!”
Debbie, Jim, Susie & Family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. Spangler was a lovely lady and always with a beautiful smile. May she forever Rest In Peace.
Thanks Barb and Dick. Appreciate the kind words.
Deb, Jim, Susie, and families,
So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. How lucky you all were to have her in your lives for so long. So many stories and memories to share.
Debbie (Ms Spangler) and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
Thank you for your kind words.
Thanks Ken and Linda.
We are saddened to hear of your loss. We did not know her, but she sounded like a wonderful lady. We are certain that she will be missed. Gary & Dixie Brumagin
Dear Jim, Susie and family. So sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Sending thoughts and love your way. We are on the road, so unable to be there. Your mom sounds like she enjoyed an active life and will be missed by many❤
Thanks Brumagin family. We appreciate the kind words. Mom was a wonderful lady and a great mom.
Debbie and JIm, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Rachel was a wonderful woman. I am so blessed to have known her. Heaven is rejoycing to receive her home. Prayers for your family.
Thank you for your kind words.
I am so sorry to learn of Mrs. Spangler passing. I remember her from my time as a youth at the Calvery Baptist Church.
Hi Deb. We had a lot of good times at the church. Mom loved teaching Sunday School. Thanks for sharing good memories.
I was so sorry to read of Rachel’s passing, but I rejoice with you that she is now where she was always meant to be, with her Lord & Savior in heaven! Prayers for comfort & peace for her family. In Christ, Linda
Hi Linda. Thanks for comforting words. Mom was more than a believer, she was a knower. And made sure dad was too. Heaven for sure. Amen.
Dear Debby and Jim and Spangler family, we send our sympathies to you upon the death of your mom…Her sparkle and energy are evident in her lovely photo. May she rest in peace. Karen and Mark Davis in Bedford PA
Hi Karen. Good to hear from you and Mark. Thanks for your kind words.
Dear Debbie, Jim & Susie,
What a beautiful lady. So very Sorry for your loss. Time with loved ones is never long enough.
Rachael and Ruth ( Johnson[ Hamilton]{Fogle} along with all the Swedish family enjoyed and loved their Swedish heritage and will be in a special area of heaven for sure.
With Sympathy and love,
Swedish rye bread in heaven? I hope so! Thanks for your kind words.
Debbie & Jim
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. I remember her well and can still hear her laughter and see her smile from all the times we spent together at your house and church. ❤️
Thank you Pam. Searching through photos as we prepared for the funeral of course we came across the famous picture of Jim in the sailor suit singing the BIBLE flanked by 2 angels- you and Debi. A classic!
Debbie, Jim & Susie Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. She was such a sweet and kind lady. She was always so nice to the neighborhood kids. May she Rest In Peace.
Thanks so much Sherry. What a great neighborhood to grow up in. We loved and appreciated your mom just as much.
Very sorry for your loss to all the Spangler family. Our condolences to all of the family.
Thanks Dean and Tam-Tam. Appreciate good friends like you.
Jim, Susie and family, So sorry to hear about your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love and comfort to you all!
Thanks for kind words. Many good times, many good memories. Still hard to say good-bye.
So sorry to learn of your mother’s passing.Your mom lived a long life! What a beautiful legacy she is leaving behind.
Thank you for the kind words. We were blessed with a terrific mom who did so much for us.
Dear Deb & Jim, I am so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She sure was a wonderful lady and a close friend to my mom, Arlene. I bet all the Swedes in heaven are enjoying all their special foods & having fun. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this time.
Hi Julie. Thanks for your note. What a pair! Mom and Arlene! So many got a good chuckle of fond memories of them both. We still have recipes of your mom’s. Arlene’s Swedish Rye Bread (my favorite with egg salad!) and Arlene’s cinnamon crispy cookies. God bless them both. May there be laughter and sweet cooking aromas in heaven!