Merna Jeanette Spencer

September 9, 1918 - April 1, 2016

Merna Jeanette Spencer, age 97, of Albia, passed Friday, April 1, 2016 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Merna was born September 9, 1918, to James Oscar and Flora Alice (Roland) Jones in Knoxville, IA. She attended the Council Bluffs School for the Deaf. Merna married William Bryan Spencer on February 25, 1939 in Winterset, IA. To this union 3 children were born, Larry, Leroy and Betty. Together they shared over 40 years of marriage before Williams passing on March 13, 1981. Merna was a very dedicated and hardworking farmer's wife. She always had flowers and loved working in her flower garden. She enjoyed all wildlife, especially going for rides to watch the deer and turkeys. She loved to watch the birds that would come and visit her feeder at the care center. She was also very talented at sewing. Her real joy in life was spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Leroy (Marlene) Spencer of Allerton, IA, and Betty Nichols of Des Moines and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Merna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; a son Larry Spencer; a grandson, Christopher Spencer and 2 great grandchildren, Calvin Spencer and Justin Tackett Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 6th, 2016 at Tharp Funeral in Albia, with Pastor Tony Angran officiating. Burial will follow services at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Rural Monroe County. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Merna's family present throughout. A memorial has been established to the family's wishes. Merna's family wishes to thank all the faculty and staff at the Oakwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who helped and cared for Merna and treated her like family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com.