Shirley Rae Spangler

Shirley Rae (Smith) Spangler, of Greenwood, IN passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2024. She was born in Indianapolis on August 29, 1945 to the late Robert E. Smith and Nina Jane (Wheatley) Smith. Shirley graduated from Franklin Central High School where she excelled academically and was very active. She was a cheerleader and competitive swimmer. She always said her swimming taught her a physical and mental toughness, which she showed to the end. Most importantly, while in high school, she met the love of her life, Ron Spangler, and they were married just six weeks after her 18th birthday. They were married almost 59 years before Ron's passing on July 4, 2022. Shirley was a full-time mom and helped Ron build and run his building company, Ron Spangler Inc. In 1980, she returned to the corporate workforce and later retired from Eli Lilly & Co. They raised two children, Lisa and Todd, who felt very blessed to know and feel the love of their mother. Shirley was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren, each of whom brought her much joy and happiness. Over the last several years as she cared for Ron with his Alzheimer's disease and dealt with her own failing lungs, she never complained and gave us all a wonderful example of determination and unconditional love. Shirley was an avid reader, loved movies and spending winters in The Villages, Florida.

Shirley is survived by children, Lisa Collins and Todd Spangler (Lorna Waterford); grandchildren, Nathan Collins, Brenna Collins, Zayne Spangler, Jaidyn Spangler and Vance Spangler; sisters, Earlene Cougill and Marcia (Bill) Cronin; brother, Denny (Patti) Smith; sister-in-law, Lois (Gib) Wagner; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Shirley will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm at Little and Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, IN 46237. A funeral service will immediately follow at 6:00 pm also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at act.alz.org.

Shirley will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood, IN at a later date.