Van Alstyne Leader
April 22, 1999
pg.3

L.D. Spence, 84, of Van Alstyne, Texas died on April 15, 1999 at his residence.  The service was held on April 17, 1999 at the Flesher Funeral Home Chapel in Van Alstyne, Texas.  Bro. Steve Dobbins and Bro. Richard Russell officiated.  Burial was at the Van Alstyne Cemetery.  Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church of Van Alsytne; the Mantua Masonic Lodge of Van Alstyne, or your favorite charity.
Mr. Spence is survived by his wife, Ruth Spence of Van Alstyne; one brother, Harold Spence of Van Alstyne; and one sister, Betty Grafflin of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Mr. Spence married Ruth Thornton in 1938.  His father was John C. Spence and his mother was Minnie Wiggs.  He joined the Baptist church at an early age, then joined the First Christian Church in 1950.  He served as a deacon and a member of the board for many years.  He was an outstanding North Texas farmer and worked with Renner on research and experimental plots.  He received the Farmer of the Year award in 1967.  He always took pride in his farming and worked to conserve the land for future use.  He retired from farming in 1978 due to his health. He was a member of the Van Alstyne Mantua Lodge #209 since 1948 and served as Worshipful Master.

Van Alstyne, Texas - Ruth Eloise Spence was born on August 5, 1917 near Anna, Texas where her parents E.V. and Elzada Thornton lived.  She died October 23, 2019 at her home in Van Alstyne.  Ruth graduated from Anna High School in 1934.  She attended North Texas State Teachers college in Denton from which she ultimately achieved a degree in education.  Her first teaching job was at a 2-room school in Kelly.  When the Kelly school consolidated she began a 38-year long career as an elementary school teach in Van Alstyne.  In all, she taught 44 years and really enjoyed it.
On May 22, 1938 Ruth married Dow Spence.  At the time she was still teaching at the Kelly school.  They had many good years together farming and teaching.  She retired in 1981 and then spent a lot of time gardening and traveling.  Ruth loved teaching and over a span of 44 years touched many lives.  She called all of those people, her kids.
From the age of 10, Mrs. Spence was a member of the First Christian Church in Van Alstyne.  She taught Sunday school classes, served as an elder and was active in the C.W.F.  Ruth also was an active member of Eastern Star and the Culture Club.
She is survived by 3 nephews: Dr. Charles Strother of Madison, Wisconsin; Mr. David Strother of Lafayette, Louisiana; and Mr. Marc Garvey of Carrollton, Texas, as well as by great-nieces and nephews, Thornton and her husband, Dow Spence; and her sisters Betty Garvey and Ola Strother as well as by many friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning, November 16, 2019 at Scoggins Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Doug Deuel Officiating.  Interment followed at Van Alstyne Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Masons of The Mantua Lodge #209.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, P.O. Box 626, Van Alstyne, Texas 75495.