Irene Spencer

Irene Spencer, 85. of Lennox, SD, died Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Lennox Good Samaritan Center. Irene Dorothy Ruckelshausen was born on September 1, 1931 at Heron Lake, MN, the daughter of Carl and Esther (Renschler) Ruckelshausen. She was the oldest of three children. She grew up on the family farm and later worked at the bank in Heron Lake, until her marriage to Robert L. Spencer on June 15, 1956. The couple moved to Lennox, SD where they owned and operated the Lennox Dry Cleaners for three years. Irene then did home day care, and later was employed at Dakota Industries and Meyer Drug. Irene was a member of the First English Lutheran Church in Lennox where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She was well known in the area as a talented soloist who sang at many area events, services and nursing homes. She volunteered as an E.M.T. on the Lennox Area Ambulance for many years. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, as Past President and State Music Director. She was the editor of the Legion and Auxiliary Bre Bur Press for many years. She was also a Life member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States Auxiliary. Irene loved gardening and took great pride in maintaining a beautiful yard. Travel was a passion for Bob and Irene whose travels included trips to Europe and Korea. Robert died on December 14, 2013. Irene is survived by her children: Brenda (Duane) Dexter, Williamsfield, IL, Robyn (Bob) Waterbury, Herrick, SD and Scott (Dawn) Spencer, North East, MD; eight grandchildren: Carmelo Rodriguez, Devon (Neil) Huffman, Christel Harbo, Chela (Nick) Bolte, Charles Goitia, Martha Waterbury, Justine Waterbury and Jacob Spencer; five great-grandchildren: Zane & Arianna Goitia, Chloe Harbo and Brenna & Braxton Bolte; siblings: Donald (Marie) Ruckelshausen, Norma (Gordon) Powers and sister-in-law, Cecelia Poppens as well as other extended family and friends.. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 6 at First English Lutheran Church, Lennox with burial at a later date at the Black Hills National Cemetery. Visitation with the family present, will be Sunday 5 to 7 p.m. at Dindot-Klusmann Funeral Home, Lennox. Condolences may be directed to Robyn Waterbury 29431 349th Ave, Herrick, SD 57538

Irene Spencer

September 1, 1931 - February 26, 2017

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