Lois Irene Spanton

It is with thankfulness for the time shared that the family of Lois I. (Bryant) Spanton shares that she passed peacefully in her home on April 7, 2025, at the amazing age of 97. Proceeded in death by many family members and loved ones, she is survived by her son Steven (Sutton) Spanton of Colorado Springs, and her late daughter Lisa’s son, Rockford (Ruth) Spanton of Illinois; grandchildren Nathan and Madeliene Spanton, and step-grandsons Gibson and Grayson (Des) Graham, all of Colorado Springs; as well as a great-grandson Ramsey Spanton and dear extended family in Illinois.

Born to a ranching family in Dunning, NE in the late 1920’s, Lois made her way to Battle Creek, Mich. after graduating from Broken Bow High School. It was there, as a hospital switch-board operator, that she met the injured WWII serviceman who would become her husband of more than 50 years, Conway “Connie” L. Spanton. Lois and Connie raised their two children in Geneseo, Illinois, where Connie served as a circuit judge for 30 years. Lois dedicated her time and energy to her family and managing their rural homestead. The family spent summers boating on the Rock River or navigating the great Mississippi via houseboat. She also enjoyed hosting dinner parties, making pottery, and playing cards. Cribbage was one of her favorites, with tales of her duels with her father-in-law, to regular rounds with loved ones until her departure.

After Connie’s passing in 1998, she moved with her mother-in-law, Geneva, to Colorado Springs to be near her son, Steven, and his family. In her golden years she took up golf, enjoyed traveling and time in Arizona with Clarke Sundblad and became especially close with his daughter Cindy (Keith) Gauzza and her family. After Clarke’s passing, Lois returned to Colorado Springs. She always had a project underway, which often included her yard. Her home was the hub of family gatherings, which always included more than enough food.

She will be interred with her husband at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held at her Colorado Springs home on May 31st, from 11am – 2pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or similar organization, in Lois' memory.