Glenda “Jill” Irene Cooper Spohn, passed away on November 15, 2023, at the age of 78 in Abilene, Kansas.
She was born on June 22, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas, daughter of Glenn and Dorcas Evans Cooper. Theoldest of four, Jill, was active in Campfire Girls and St. James Episcopal Church in Wichita, Kansas. She graduated from Southeast High in 1963 and continued her education at Emporia State University. While attending ESU, Jill met Jerold Spohn, and the two married December 20, 1965. They had a strong marriage of 57 years and were a positive example of upholding marriage vows. One of their favorite things to do was to pick out anniversary cards for one another each year. After a few years of marriage, the couple settled in White City, Kansas, where they grew their family and raised 6 children - 3 boys and 3 girls. They moved to the house on Garfield Street in 1982 and lived there for the next 36 years.
Jill worked as the secretary of White City Schools for a number of years before staying home to raise her children. In 1992 Jill graduated from Emporia State University, with her degree in Secondary Education in History. It was important to her to finish what she had started and demonstrated perseverance and sacrifice as she completed her degree. Her last place of employment before retirement was with Central National Bank in Junction City. Jill’s children were her pride and joy and she could always be counted on to be in attendance at any of their sporting events, 4-H activities, or church functions. In her free time, Jill enjoyed gardening, growing flowers,and reading. She could be found nearly every Saturday at the local library. Jill regularly participated in an EHU group for women, served on various church committees, and was a very active member of local and county 4-H boards throughout the years the family resided in White City. When grandchildren began to come along, Jill was delighted. She was known to send cards full of stickers to them and always had a new toy to play with when they would visit. Some of the most meaningful days to Jill were the days her entire family would gather together for a family reunion in the summer or at the holidays in December.
In 2019, Jerry and Jill moved to the Chapman/Abilene area. During these last few years, Jill’s family watched as Alzheimer’s invaded her mind and she slowly lost her ability to remember all things. Though she grew incapable of remembering, those who love her the most will remember her for how supportive, devoted, and loving she was as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Jill is survived by her loving husband, Jerold Spohn, her children Jerold Spohn Jr. (Reva), Bryon Spohn, Michael Spohn (Erin), Barbara Boggs (Matt), Jennifer Hickman (Daniel), and Susan Monnier (Mark). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Dorcas Cooper, and her sister, Jeanne Hoffman.
A private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. Following the service, a reception will beheld at the White City Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making charitable donations to Rock Springs Ranch, a touchstone in the Spohn family, or to the United Methodist Church in White City.