Constance J. Spiker, 75, Malvern

Constance Joan Spiker died at her home in Malvern on July 24, 2009, at the age of 75 years, 3 months, and 7 days. Funeral services were held Tuesday with Pastor Darrell Hopp officiating. Burial was in the Malvern Cemetery.

Constance Joan Spiker, one of two children of Ralph Quinton and Verna Marie (Gordon) Scott, was born April 17, 1934, at her parent’s farm home south of Malvern. During Connie’s early years, her parents moved many times as her dad worked either as a farmhand or delivered groceries. Connie attended school at Foxworthy, Randolph, Malvern, and finally at Strahan from 1946 until her graduation from high school in 1952. While in school, Connie played basketball and helped at home with the farm work and canning the garden produce. Following graduation, she worked one year in Omaha at Mutual of Omaha and then returned home to Malvern where she worked at the Ford Garage and also as a waitress for Genevieve Payne.

In February 1954, Connie met Clyde Ernest Spiker and on September 12, 1954, they were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in Malvern. To this union, they were blessed with four children, Michael Scott, Stephen Ernest, Thomas Allen, and Trescha Edna. The family lived in the Malvern and Strahan area until 1967, when they moved to Lu Verne, where Connie and Ernie became custodians for the Lu Verne Schools.

Connie belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed bowling. During this time, she and Ernie developed an interest in camping and fishing. This was an enjoyment they continued until Connie was no longer able to travel.

In 1981, they moved to Malvern to be custodians for the Nishna Valley School where they worked for 14 years before retiring. In retirement, Connie enjoyed traveling when able, needlework, crafts, family reunions, and friends. Her main joy was time with her children and grandchildren. Her husband, Ernie of 54 years, was the love of her life.

Connie is survived by her husband Ernie; sons, Michael Spiker and wife Neome of the Philippines, Steve Spiker and wife Sherry, and Tom Spiker, all of Armstrong; daughter, Trescha McGlade and husband John of Glenwood; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; brother, Gordon Scott and wife Michaele of Villisca; sister-in-law, Betty Davey of San Diego, CA; several nieces and nephews; many cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.