Elizabeth Ann "Libby" Spaht

Elizabeth “Libby” Ann Spaht died February 17, 2021 at home with her loyal companion Sam laying in bed with her providing comfort. Libby was born in Memphis, TN on 1/16/45 to John W and Ruth McShan Wright. She spent her childhood in Memphis, TN and Pennsylvania before her mother settled in Marion AR where she grew up until moving to McPherson, KS. After graduating from McPherson High School, Libby wed John Turner in Sept 1962. John and Libby lived in KS and AZ before returning to McPherson in 1975. During the late 70’s and early 80’s, Libby was a single mom raising her three children in the town she called home. In 1984 she married Jack Spaht who preceded her in death, and who she missed a great deal during her last years. Libby retired from work with the State of Kansas in 2008, spending her time gardening, keeping up with her family and taking care of her dogs Zoey and Sam. Libby had a great love of animals, especially small white fluffy dogs. She enjoyed helping organizations that provided assistance to animals and after her Zoey died; she acquired Sam a rescue dog who provided much comfort to her, Sam would wait patiently for her return anytime she left the house. Sam will reside with her surviving family until his death, a small thing which was very important to her. Each month Libby would meet with a group of her friends for lunch and during her last months, she really missed this monthly gathering. As well she missed seeing her friends, whether former neighbors, her long time coworker, or even the waiter at a restaurant she visited frequently. Libby enjoyed keeping in contact with relatives; and enjoyed interacting with Barbara and Deb, two cousins who live in McPherson, and their families. Even as she battled degenerative illnesses, she was able to make friends with her caregivers, such as Heather the Physical Therapist and Dawn the home health assistant, who’s assistance she greatly appreciated and who provided much comfort during a difficult time of her life. Libby was a bigger K-State fan than her three children who all graduated from K-State. She enjoyed watching the Cats on tv, or in person, but especially enjoyed the football. Gardening, especially day lilies, and day trips in KS for shopping, dining or visiting family all brought joy to her. Family provided Libby with much joy. Her eldest, Terri (McPherson) had that bond that only a mother and daughter have; and Libby was very proud of her. Terri’s 2 daughters, Shelby (Manhattan) and Jenna (Manhattan) also graduated from K-State’s College of Agriculture like their mother. Libby enjoyed welcoming Jenna’s husband Blake to the family over a year ago, especially when she could spoil him with his favorite cookies. The youngest son, James (Jim) of Noblesville, IN and his family brought much joy to her life; she enjoyed her phone conversations with them, and when Jim’s work facilitated visits. Up to her last days, she enjoyed watching videos of Ashlynn and Addy playing volleyball. Her daughter in law brought joy to Libby, as Diane provided much encouragement and positivity to her along w/ the pictures/videos of the girls. She was very proud of Jim’s accomplishments in his work and obtaining a Ph.D at the college she grew up rooting for (Go Hawgs!) and enjoyed watching his family grow. Middle child John (Oklahoma) enjoyed spoiling his mom with things she’d enjoy and helping her as he could. His work in the utility industry as an engineer, while she didn’t understand it, she liked that he enjoys what he does. And surprisingly, Libby and John were able to enjoy watching the entire Marvel Universe collection of movies, with Libby looking forward to a new movie each weekend. The time they had together during her last years has left many special memories; she was thankful for his assistance. The unfortunate aspect of Libby’s life was battling two deliberating diseases during her last years. A cancer survivor, Libby’s battle with Parkinson’s was valiant as she continued trying to do things until the last and her medical providers were impressed with her ability to care for herself despite a loss of functionality. Unfortunately, another type of cancer was diagnosed shortly before her death. The complications of Parkinson’s compounded by the cancer brought Libby’s life to an end. She regretted not being able to keep in contact with friends and family as her illness progressed and lessened her ability to do things. While dying is never pleasant, Libby died trying to comfort her family. Libby is survived by a daughter Terri Turner Crampton (McPherson, KS) and her almost son -in law Mike Lacy, Terri’s daughter’s Shelby Crampton (Manhattan, KS) and Jenna Crampton Bowman (Manhattan, KS) and her husband Blake; sons John (Oklahoma) and Jim (Noblesville, IN ) and wife Diane and daughters Ashlynn and Adyson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt Mayme Rhee White, son-in-law Marty Crampton and Jack Spaht Supporting your local humane society or animal rescue is probably what Libby would appreciate the most, although helping those less fortunate or institutions involved with Parkinson’s or cancer is also good. The family will hold a graveside service at a date to be determined.

Elizabeth Ann "Libby" Spaht

January 16, 1945 - February 17, 2021