Shirley A. Spicer

PORTAGE – Shirley A. Spicer (nee Reif), age 90, passed away peacefully at Divine Savior Tivoli in Portage on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Shirley was born on March 13, 1929, in Portage, the daughter of Lester and Anne (Johnson) Reif. She married G Langlin “Lang” Spicer on April 4, 1953, at the Portage Presbyterian Church. Shirley worked at Columbia County Social Services for 36 years. She loved planting flowers in her garden which was a sanctuary to her as well as feeding and watching the many varieties of birds that were attracted to her garden. She and Lang went to Florida each winter where they enjoyed walking the beaches and collecting sea shells. Shirley had a passion for seeking out unique chocolate shops throughout the country, as well as creating distinctive recipes in the kitchen, and also knitting and crocheting sweaters for friends and relatives. Her favorite color was always “baby blue.”

She is survived by her son, Lang R. (Linda Satina) Spicer of Monona; brothers, Rev Gordon (Peggy) Reif of Romeoville, IL, Stanley (Loretta) Reif of McFarland; sister-in-law, Alice Mraz of Sun Prairie; special friend, Cheryl (Wayne) Parks-Schmid of Portage; her little gray schnauzer and canine companion, Maddie; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, G. Langlin, last October.   

A prayer service will be held at the Portage Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. David Hankins officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Divine Savior Tivoli for their care and support, especially her good friend Cheryl who was always there for Shirley.

Shirley will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.