David Dale Spence

My beloved husband and our dear father and grandfather, David Dale Spence, was born on July 20, 1953, to Harry and Leona Spence in Willows, California. He quietly passed away on December 17, 2025, in Chico, California. His death was caused by complications of cancer.

He completed his formal education in Glenn County Schools. Learning continued to be a part of life; in the last several years he enjoyed computer drawing and creating his drawings in metal or wood. During his teenage years he was known as a competitive and athletic sports player.

When he was 8 years old tragedy struck, leaving him and his four sisters without a father. That experience molded his life and gave him a soft and caring heart for others who were hurting. His Uncle Waltz Ensz became a father figure, and his sons became brothers to him. At 17 he started farming on the farm his father left behind and was a rice farmer all his life, thankful for the living it gave us. He was a hard worker and could fix anything. He had many dreams and ideas of things to make and do.

After an experience with God, he was baptized in the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 6, 1966. He loved the church and was faithful to those vows all his life.

On March 2nd, 1975, he married me, Mary Alice Koehn, at Scott City, Kansas. This being our 50th year we reflected often on the good life that God so graciously gave to us. David's wish was to celebrate doing something special every month of this year. We enjoyed several memorable vacations together.

We were blessed with 2 children, Doyle and Dawna. Our children were a dream come true and we love their spouses as our own. There aren't words enough to express the joy his grandchildren brought to him. As children, Dad taught us how to live by gently leading the way. He worked and played with us. The grandchildren treasure the memories of playing, camping, and the serious talks.

Beginning in 1984 we got to spend 5 years in the Philippines doing what he loved best-telling Bible stories. He would draw pictures on his white board and go to the slums of the city telling of a Jesus who came to save. Later he became involved in USA missions. That too, brought new friendships and good times.

He was called by the church at Glenn, California, to gospel ministry in December of 1993. Reliance on God was very real to him, often expressing his own inability. He was a poet and a man of many different thoughts. His preaching reflected that, and one had to listen closely to understand. Being able to connect with the hearts of people was one of his greatest joys in life. He was loved for his caring heart and uplifting sense of humor.

The last eight years we were part of the Princeton Congregation. We deeply felt their love, and they are family to us. He enjoyed the small meeting place in Glenn but was looking with anticipation to worship in the new church. A couple days before he died, he said to tell the congregation it is okay. I'm trusting God. His presence is a gentle breeze.

The cancer journey was hard but he was brave to the very end, a poignant tribute to his will and love of life and faith in his Heavenly Father. A special thank you to all who walked the journey with him, especially those who stayed nights with him.

His beloved wife Mary; his children: Doyle and Emily, Willows, California; Dawna and Galen, Fort Vermillion, Alberta: his 11 grandchildren: Krisanne, Shayla, Jaylen, Eric, Alex, Angela, Kayla, Craig, Andrew, Ryan, and Dwight are waiting to join him in Heaven. Also left behind are mother-in-law Frances Giesbrecht, Glenn, California; sisters Geraldine and James Eck, Glenn, California; Doris and Harry Giesbrecht, Glenn, California; Kathy Spence, Hutchison, Kansas; Janice and Donald Schmidt, Cassady, Kansas; and Gena Giesbrecht, Willows, California; and his nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, and one nephew.