Elmer Arnold Spencer
Nov. 12, 1939 ~ Mar. 10, 2015
Elmer Arnold Spencer graduated from mortal life on March 10, 2015, having been blessed with almost 20 extra years with his family following a nearly fatal ultralight accident.
Born in Butte, Montana, he grew up on a farm near Rigby, Idaho, earned his Eagle Scout rank and graduated from Rigby High School, where he was senior class president. He went on to graduate from Brigham Young University, where he met his sweetheart, Sue Evans. After his LDS mission to Western Canada and Alaska, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 21, 1962. They moved to Portland to attend University of Oregon Dental School and he graduated in 1967. His family grew to include eight children and they spent the next 25 years in Gresham, Oregon where he was a successful dentist. In 1988, he moved his family to Turlock, California where he continued as a dentist until his accident. He made the move to Utah in 2003.
A man of great faith and devotion to God, Elmer spent his life in service as a missionary, Bishop, Stake Presidency member, Temple Worker, and faithful Home Teacher. With a personal testimony gained at a young age, he inspired and strengthened the faith of all those around him. His tender heart, work ethic, and integrity made him a "giant of a man". Despite the disabilities following his accident, he found ways to serve and was still teaching others to be more Christlike.
He loved skiing, traveling, flying his ultralight plane, ice cream, and listening to beautiful music.
He especially loved his family and is survived by his wife, Sue, children Shannon (Kris) Heslop, Steve (Molly), Susan (Bret) Clayton, Cathryn (Paul) Jacobson, David (Cecily), Laurie (Chris) Riley, Mark (Aprillee), and Kristi (Ben) Clayton. His siblings Arlene (Bob) Cordingley, Norman (Bobbie), David (Karen), and Carol (Dale) Nelson also survive him. His family includes nearly 32 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Arnold Orson Spencer and Leonora Ann Myler, and his sister, Barbara Baxter.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:00 am at the LDS Church at 49 East Centennial Boulevard (corner of Redwood Rd and Centennial Blvd) in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Interment: Lehi City Cemetery.
The family would like to express gratitude for outstanding care to the staff at the Charleston Assisted Living and Symbii Home Health and Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to help somone in need.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Mar. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Elmer Spencer

6 Entries

February 23, 2020

Feb.2020
Mrs. Spencer & Family, when March comes nearer I think of you all a great deal. The enormous impression Mrs. & Dr. Spencer, Steve & family have left on me is something that will never leave me. I am grateful for your MANY examples. In 2018 I'd hoped to share my 2 son's baptism's, both receiving the priesthood & the next that follows when I learned the news of Dr. Spencer's promotion to glory. I couldn't let any of this go without expressing my sorrow & to Thank you all for sharing the gospel & teaching me so much when you may not have known I was paying intense attention. Since 1982 to date my memories get me through days behind & before me. My eldest recieves his endowment for March 27th wedding in the PDX Temple which I cannot be more happy but yet I am stunned. Overjoyed! I led by your examples & (Steve started it.) Now perhaps I will be baptized by my son's come spring.
In closing, Just know Dr. Spencer & Family continue to teach even miles & a heaven apart. Jill
B.G. Washington

Byron Knight

May 13, 2017

To the spencer family. My name is Byron Knight
I was Elmers First companion in the western
canadian Mission. I loved serving with him
and have thought about him often and wondered
how his life turned out after his mission.
I just learned of his passing from the internet. I was sorry to hear of his accident.
God bless you and your Family.

March 14, 2015

Dear Spencer Family:
We love the Spencer Family! Your walk in life has taken you to a different part of the country but we have fond memories of you that put a smile on our hearts. I remember Elmer as a good, kind and happy man. He gave our daughter a great smile too, after pulling 7 of her baby teeth out, She has straight teeth without braces. We would have loved to have gone to the celebration of his life, but know you are in our prayers. With all our love Danny and Debby Coder

Kristie Liston

March 14, 2015

Love all the Spencer's.

March 13, 2015

Dear Sue and Family...Elmer was a wonderful, kind and loving person and a great Home Teacher. With sincere sympathy...Glenn and Dorothy

March 13, 2015

Dear Spencer Family, We send our love and our prayers that all of you will feel the love and consolation from above. Accept our appreciation for the association we have had with you. We are sorry that we will not be able to attend the services. Our best, Marilyn & Sherm Beck & family.

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