MARY JEAN WILDER SPANGLER October 28, 1927 - October 26, 2016 Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and devoted servant to the community living in Riverside, CA for 42 years. Born in West Point, NE to Ted and Dorothy (Peck) Wilder. Oldest of six, grew up on a farm near Craig, NE attending grade school and graduated from Craig HS. Moved and worked in Omaha where she met and later married Stanley M. Spangler on September 8, 1946. The young couple purchased a lot in North Omaha and built their dream home, with the help of father-in-law Mac Spangler, carpenter-contractor, blue prints were created. Together brick by brick and nail by nail they completed their house in three years. Daughter Cindy was born and 3½years later son Mark. The family lived in Omaha for seven years, when Stan's company transferred him to Milwaukee, WI and five years later to Chicago, IL. Each time the family moved Mary made her house a home. Painting, hanging wallpaper, making draperies and planting a garden. She also loved to sew clothes for her children. She was a secretary for three executives after her children went to school. Stan passed away in 1972, and she decided to move to a warmer climate in Riverside, CA, in 1974. She expounded on her cooking skills after many years of making delicious meals for her family. She opened "My Brother's Place" Restaurant in downtown Riverside where she brought those talents of good wholesome food to her business. She worked diligently to build her business and later developed a catering service for over 20 years. In retirement, she saw a need to help Veterans by collecting clothing and donating them to the U.S. Vets Initiative on MARB. She certified her dog Boomer and together they greeted Veterans at Loma Linda VA Hospital. She was a member of the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, helping to beautify the cemetery, First United Methodist Church of Riverside and Aurantia Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution where she held an office and served on several committees. Her devotion to Veterans earned her the DAR Service to Veterans Award in 2010 at the annual State DAR Conference. She was so proud to serve the community in this capacity. She doted on her house and yard enjoying her two furry kids, Boomer dog and "2 Bits" her cat. Mary was ambitious and organized. She was always taking classes to learn new skills, such as reupholstering and stained glass windows. She enjoyed traveling with her daughter to Europe and around the USA tracing her family tree. She will most be remembered for her love and devotion to her family, friends and pets. If someone bent her ear, she would listen intently. She was kind and generous, putting others needs above her own. She had a fun loving spirit, with an infectious smile that would warm a room. Her life was full of challenges but she had a determination to persevere. Always finding the good in people and blessed for what the Lord had given her. We love you mom. Mary is survived by her daughter Cindy Allen (David); son Mark (Nancy); two grandchildren Cara and Andrew Spangler; three brothers, Ken, Lyle and Bill Wilder and a host of extended family. Visitation at Acheson and Graham Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, Friday, November 11, from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Riverside, 4845 Brockton Ave., Riverside, November 12 at 11am. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Omaha, NE. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mary's name to First United Methodist Church of Riverside, Women or Children's Ministries, 4845 Brockton Ave., Riverside 92506. Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, P.O. Box 7519, Redlands, CA 92375.
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Published in Press-Enterprise on Nov. 6, 2016
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