Janice Ann (Kruger) Spencer

Janice Ann Spencer, 80, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, reuniting with her husband of 64 years on their anniversary.

Janice was born on October 12, 1943 in Des Moines, Iowa to Edward & Anna (Timmer) Kruger. She attended Grant Elementary, Callanan Middle School and Des Moines Technical High School.

She met her husband, Dick Spencer, in 1959 at a high school dance. Months later, they met again at the Val Air Ballroom. They married in 1960 at Central Christian Church in Des Moines and started a family.

Janice was dedicated to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. She sacrificed her own needs and wants to make sure her family was taken care of. She loved to be outdoors. Whether it was Sun Valley Lake, mowing the lawn, working in her numerous flower beds, or exploring tag sales and garage sales in the summer, she enjoyed it all. However, fall was her favorite time of year. A time to slow down, relax, and take in the fall colors. Mom’s love for the outdoors was nothing compared to her love for Elvis Presley. This was obvious when her husband came home and declared, “The King is Home.” Her reply was, “There is only one King, and it’s not you.” All with love of course. Another enjoyment was watching sports – football and basketball. When mom was watching a game, the entertainment was not always from the game, but rather, from her rooting on her various teams.

Mom was the parent who made the house eventful. Whether it was fire drills at a stop light, sneaking half of us kids into the drive-in movie theater, chasing lightning bugs around the acreage, or just making her famous waffle cookies, Janice taught us to have fun.

She worked at SE Polk High School in the kitchen so she would be home by the time her kids got off the bus. She was later employed with Prudential Insurance as a secretary for 10 years. Janice was recognized several times over the years for donating multiple gallons of blood to the Lifeserve Blood Center, was a supporter of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and Chief Executive Officer of the Spencer Household.

Janice leaves behind her sons, Bill Spencer, Roland Spencer, and Howard (Michelle) Spencer; her daughters, Mary (Frank) Allen and Stephanie (Thomas) Rice; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren plus one on the way; her sisters-in-law Kay Kruger and Janie Blaylock; many nieces and nephews; her beloved dog Dolly; and cats Dakota, Cy, Mama Kitty, and many farm cats. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” Spencer, her parents, a brother Gerhard Kruger, and sister Renzie Cunningham.

Please join us in celebrating Janice’s life. A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a light lunch and a private family burial.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Janice Ann Spencer.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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