Eleanor “Ellie” M. Spangler

July 28, 2014

Having enjoyed a full and fulfilled life, Eleanor Spangler passed away quietly on July 28, 2014, into “the land of sunshine and flowers.” Born in Mt. Joy, the daughter of the late Albert C. and Alice Alberta (Little) Landis, Ellie was the youngest of 7 children, with only her sister, Dorothy Shaub, surviving.

In passing, she rejoins her beloved husband of 52 years, Robert “Bobby” H. Spangler, and is survived by her loyal companion, Luther “Luke” E. Harnish, Jr. She is also survived by a daughter, Karen L. Harnish, wife of Anthony, and a son, R. Scott Spangler. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Aaron Harnish, husband of Amy Banks, Adam Harnish, husband of Dawn, and Lindsay Feerrar, wife of B.J; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Ellie graduated from Geiger School of Beauty Culture, Harrisburg, PA, in 1937. She worked for Jane Dillick Foulke Beauty Shop and Minnette Beauty Shop until 1952. Ellie then established her own shop, in her home, in Manor Ridge, West Lancaster. In 1967, she joined in a partnership with her daughter, Karen, and they worked side by side until 1992, when she and Bobby retired and moved from 110 Eastman Avenue, to Brethren Village. For many decades, the beauty shop, which was also connected to the insurance agency run by their husbands, was a happy place where friends and neighbors came together, it was a unique circumstance and a friendly space.

Ellie loved people, enjoyed many friendships, and cared to serve the Lord. She attended Covenant United Methodist Church from age 5. She served as a teacher and assistant superintendent of the Junior Department for many years, and directed the Christmas pageant for some years.

Her family will remember her as a great mother and a caring and generous friend. She and Bobby provided a good life, a welcoming home, and the great gift of laughter. For decades, she hosted a monthly theme party gathering of friends (the gang), which filled the house with even more laughter, and despite very long days in her shop, she took off Wednesdays during the kids growing up years, just to share the days doing something education or fun; she was always caring.

Upon moving to Brethren Village, she enjoyed volunteering in many capacities, and for a time was on the Resident’s Council, and a resident representative of the Board of Directors. Beyond that, Ellie enjoyed reading, researching genealogies, knitting and crocheting, craft work, gardening and traveling. She enjoyed everything and most of all, life itself!

Several years after Bobby’s passing, in 1995, Ellie was reunited with a friend from her past, Luke Harnish. Growing up together, their lives took different and separate courses with the advent of World War II, only to come together again later in life, after the passing of their spouses. Their renewed caring for each other became an inspiration to all.

Finally, Ellie felt very blessed. She had known a life fulfilled with her work and her dear family and friends. In all things, she always aspired to serve the Lord, and she did that best by living joyfully. Those who knew her also feel blessed and grateful, as they trust she will rest in peace.

A Memorial Service for Ellie will be held at 4PM, on Friday, August 8, 2014, at the Brethren Village Chapel, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ellie’s name to the Samaritan Fund at Brethren Village, at the above address, the Salvation Army, 131 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603, or the American Red Cross, 430 W Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17603.