Louise Lane Spooner

Louise Lane Spooner, 100, passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2011. She was born on April 19, 1911 in Mount Dora, FL to the late Sidney H. and Maud S. Lane. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James C. Spooner; daughter, Carole Reems; 1 brother and 1 sister.

She is survived by her daughter, Marlene S. Anthony of Cary, NC; grandsons, Stephen C. Ray and wife, Laurie of Cary, NC, James C. Ray of Fort Myers, FL, Lewis A. Ray and wife, Cathy of Front Royal, VA, Warren G. Ray of Bloomington, IL and Bradley Reems of Arden, NC; and 5 great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren.

Louise shared her love of music and her beautiful soprano voice that would have her perform as a soloist at weddings and funerals, church choir at First Presbyterian of Ft. Myers and occasionally radio broadcasts.

Husband James and Louise owned and operated the Spooner Funeral Home preceding what would become the Engelhardt Funeral Home by bringing into their business Leo Engelhardt initially as a junior partner. The Spooners played a large role during World War II by caring for and providing the services of their funeral home for hundreds of deceased servicemen.

After retiring from the funeral home business, James and Louise retired to the Asheville, North Carolina area where Louise continued with her church music and activities at the Arden Presbyterian church for many years. While James worked in farming and dairy, Louise served her community with many civic minded activities including the American Red Cross.

In her own retirement, Louise relocated back to Ft. Myers in 1989. Delivering Meals on Wheel s was a favorite charity until vision changes slowly overcame her ability to drive.

She died peacefully after a brief illness in Cary, NC where she lived since 2009 in assisted living and then with her daughter Marlene. She will be buried beside her husband at Pine Forest Cemetery in Mount Dora, FL.

Condolences may be sent through www.brownwynnecary.com