SHELL KNOB, Mo. — Alvena L. Spangenberg, 65, departed this life on Aug. 13, 2012 at her home in Shell Knob, Mo.
Formerly of Great Bend and Hudson, she was born on July 28, 1947 in Salina, the daughter of Darold Ardale and Zelma Marie (Finn) Dodge, who preceded her in death. On Sept. 11, 1970, Alvena was united in marriage with Kenneth Allen Spangenberg who survives her. She was an educator for 42 years, and a principal for 17 of those years.
Alvena was a member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Parish, a member and leader of the Professional Educators Organization (P.E.O.), Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms, the Greater Chamber of Commerce of Great Bend and Ourselves and Our Families Organization for battered women and children.  
Other survivors include her three children, Stephanie and husband Michael Simpson, Hesston; Keegan Spangenberg, Denver, Colo.; and Natalie and husband Yeqiang Wang, Topeka; three grandchildren, Bradley Simpson, Morgan Simpson, and  Helena Wang; five sisters, Rae Marie and husband John Crisel, Zionville, Ind.; Cecilia and husband Floyd Smith, Newnan, Ga.; Elizabeth Ann and husband Jimmy Warren, Manhattan; Clare and husband Erwin Rehme, Longmont, Colo. and Eileen and husband Mark Rinke, Lakeville, Mich.; several nieces and nephews; and friends and loved ones.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Prince of Peace Parish, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Great Bend with Father Reginald A. Urban officiating. Visitation and vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at Prince of Peace Parish, at St. Patrick Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers Alvena requested that memorial donations be made to Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms or Mercy Hospice, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by    
Bryant Funeral Home *         
1425 Patton Road       
Great Bend, KS, 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 16, 2012