Barbara J. Spencer

Barbara Spencer Obituary Barbara Joyce Spencer, age 89, of Englewood, Colorado, and a long-time resident of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on November 20th, 2024. Barbara was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska on February 19th, 1935, to Gerald and Elizabeth (Field) Thurman. She attended Broken Bow schools, graduating from Broken Bow High School in 1953. In grade school she met the love of her life, Berl W. Spencer, and the two married in August of 1955. Barbara taught grade school in Omaha while Berl finished his medical residency. The couple moved to Ogallala in 1961 with infant daughter Shannon, where Berl began a medical practice that spanned more than four decades. Barbara opened a home nursery school for a few years while Shannon and Stuart were toddlers, and then devoted herself to homemaking until the youngest daughter, Stacia, entered Junior High. At that point, Barbara yielded to an entrepreneurial spirit, and opened a store called Party Bay Originals (PBO) which was in downtown Ogallala for several years. Her greatest joy from PBO came from the many co-workers who shared in that endeavor. Barbara maintained a full social calendar and treasured the many friendships she made throughout her life. She was active in the Ogallala chapters of PEO and Eastern Star, as well as with her church family at St. Pauls Episcopal Church. Barbara and Berl were consummate snow skiers and passed the enjoyment of that sport on to their children and grandchildren. They also had several domestic and international travel adventures throughout their lives. Barbara fostered tight connections with her children and grandchildren and hosted many memorable family gatherings to celebrate holidays and special events. She was skilled in the culinary arts and her passions for food, wine, music, good books, and card games remained unwavering. Barbara was preceded in death by her life-long love and husband of nearly 60 years, Dr. Berl W. Spencer, her parents, and parents in-law. She is also proceeded by three brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Howard Spencer (Broken Bow, NE), Tom Ragland (Vero Beach, FL), and Lowell and Clara Spencer (Phoenix, AZ). She is survived by her daughters, Shannon Goertz and Stacia (Steve) Walz of Denver, CO, and her son, Stuart (Deborah) Spencer of Tulsa, OK; seven grandchildren: Philip (Anna) Spencer of Fort Worth, TX, Sam (Elizabeth) Goertz of Minneapolis, MN, Grant Spencer of Denton, TX, Edan Parker of Denver, CO, Libby Goertz of Denver, CO, Stephen Spencer of Oklahoma City, OK, and Olivia Parker of Denver, CO; and one great-grandson, Peter Spencer of Fort Worth, TX. Barbara is also survived by two sisters, Betty (Doug) Innes of Hayes, KS, and Marilyn Ragland of Vero Beach, FL; and sister-in-law Carol Spencer of Broken Bow, NE. Barbara requested a private service and inurnment, which will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to the Keith County Community Foundation, the Ogallala Community Hospital Foundation, or St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Ogallala. Condolences may be left by going to www.drauckerfh.com and clicking Tribute Wall. Draucker Funeral Home will be assisting the family.