Obituary of Frances Dot Spuhler

Frances "Dot" Spuhler died peacefully at home on September 15, 2022. Her extended family was blessed to have many opportunities to spend time with her before she died at the age of 98. This marvelous matriarch was always there for family members. Her four children, their spouses, her eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren came from all over the country to visit with their Mom/Grammie during her last weeks. Also, an ex-son-in-law flew in from Finland to help care for her and was with Dot when she died. She lived a long and vibrant life with her ever-present pets, which included dogs, cats, goats, birds and a flying squirrel. She was able to live alone in her own home after her husband died in 2010, including this year for four months after she turned 98. Dot was raised, surrounded by cousins, on a farm in Missouri by her aunt and uncle, while her single mom visited from Kansas City, where she worked. After Dot graduated from high school, she moved in with her mother. Her step-father paid for her to go to business school, and she then worked for TWA, an airline company, before getting married. Dot, and her husband of sixty-five years, Ed, lived all over the country, including Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, Missouri, Alaska, and Pennsylvania. Dot and Ed retired to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1986. There seemed to be nothing Dot couldn't do. She was an incredible cook and seamstress. Her kids grew up being served a delicious sit-down dinner every single night with a meat, starch, two different vegetables, and often a dessert. Everyone in her extended family has personalized Christmas stockings that she made. She smocked, quilted, embroidered, cross-stitched, knitted, crocheted, tatted (lace), and sewed clothes and items for her kids, her grandchildren and their dolls. She fostered a love of books by the example of her own voracious reading and by reading to children. Not only was Dot always there for her family, but she was always there for others - often before they even asked. She was usually the first person to respond to any neighbor in need. She served her church as a lay elder, as a member of a pastoral search committee, teaching fourth grade boys' Sunday School, and by creating banners, ornaments, pastoral stoles and other liturgical adornment. She also volunteered with special needs children, with low income, inner-city kids, the elderly, and the food insecure. After moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ed and Dot opened their home to cadets from the Air Force Academy for many years. She never met a stranger. A young couple, who Dot and Ed met on a Nile cruise, invited them to come to their wedding across the country. Dot was a master storyteller, and those who knew her loved to hear old and new stories about her life and adventures, our family and friends, which were told with her ever-present sense of humor. We came to appreciate this even more in her final months. Dot was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Henry Spuhler; her grandson, Kendall Wade Francisco; her former daughter-in-law, Shirley Mozo Spuhler; and her parents. Dot and Ed practiced unconditional love. Once you were a member of the Spuhler family (once dubbed the "Spuhler Nation") you were always a part of the family. Together they had one son, Kent (Susan) Spuhler; and three daughters, Tracy (Dwight) Cooper, Marni (David) Armstrong, and Kari (Tim) Francisco. She will also be deeply missed by former daughter-in-law, Mary Spuhler; and former son-in-law, C�sar De La Cruz. Members of the Spuhler clan also include grandchildren, Ashli (Naren) Desai, Tara (Kendrick) Spuhler McCabe, Lee (Andy) Berner, Shanon (Chris) Smith, Riley (Alec) Rhodes, Darius De La Cruz, Shaun (fianc�, No�l) Francisco, and Calvin (partner, Sadie) Armstrong; and great-grandchildren, Nalani, Abby, Zack, Elliot, Brooks, Cooper H., Evelyn, Jasmyn, Fiona, Bailey, Cooper K., and Elle. Her family is so grateful for the care she received from caregiver, Toni Lemley and Advanced Home Health and Hospice, especially nurse and director, Amy Wootten. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in honor of Dot Spuhler can be made to the local Humane Society, and would be much appreciated. Visitation, 9:00AM-10:00AM, Monday, September 26, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. Memorial Service, 11:00AM, Monday, September 26, 2022, Faith Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1529 North Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. Events Visitation Monday, September 26, 2022 9:00AM - 10:00AM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Memorial Service Monday, September 26, 2022 11:00AM Faith Presbyterian Church 1529 N. Circle Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Email: terri.b@thespringsfuneralservices.com Phone: 719-328-1793