Susan Spencer

Spencer, Susan RaeCOTTAGE GROVE/MADISON-Susan Rae Spencer, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on Aug. 13, 1929, in Monroe, the daughter of John and Lela Gage. Susan graduated from South Wayne High School in 1947. Susan graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill., with a B. A. degree in sociology in 1951. Right after graduation, Susan spent three years with the YMCA of Naperville, Ill. She later accepted a position in Indiana with the Elkhart County Welfare Department. In 1956, Susan decided to become a teacher. She graduated from UW-Platteville in 1957, with a B. S. degree in history and secondary education. She taught high school in Lodi and West Bend from 1957 until 1965. Susan married Donald Spencer on June 13, 1959, in South Wayne, Wis. She and her husband, Don, moved to Madison in 1965 where she began teaching at Winnequah Middle School until 1971. She then served as a substitute teacher in the Monona Grove School district until 1980. In her retirement years, Susan enjoyed traveling and rosemaling. She was a 50 year Eastern Star member and active in Starlite Chapter 283 of Monona, serving as secretary and worthy matron. She was also a member of the Daughters of American Revolution. She was an active member of Monona United Methodist Church. Susan is survived by her husband, Donald of Cottage Grove;sister, Arabelle Mitchell of Verona; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lela Gage; brother, Avery Gage; sister, Mary Klostermeyer; and first husband, Stanley Roderer. Funeral services will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at noon on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, with the Rev. David Byers-Dent presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until an Eastern Star service at 11:45 a.m., conducted by Starlite Chapter No. 283. Private burial will be at Boscobel Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Monona United Methodist Church, Eastern Star or Daughters of American Revolution.Gunderson EastFuneral & Cremation Centers5203 Monona Drive(608) 221-5420 Memorials: Memorials may be made to Monona United Methodist Church, Eastern Star or Daughters of American Revolution. Cemetery: Private burial will be at Boscobel Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until an Eastern Star service at 11:45 a.m., conducted by Starlite Chapter No. 283. Service: Funeral services will be held at MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at noon on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, with the Rev. David Byers-Dent presiding.