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Marian June (Lutz) Spafford, 84, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2003. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Spafford, grandchildren Robin Richardson of Albuquerque, NM, Dustin Richardson of Santa Fe, NM; sister, Eleanore and husband, Ed Powers of So. St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law, Marianna Lutz of Torrance, CA; brother, Charles and wife Betty Lutz of Shell Lake, WI, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William (Bill) and Eva E. Lutz of Shell Lake, WI; her brothers Douglas Lutz of Shell Lake, WI, and Raymond C. (Cab) Lutz of Torrance, CA. Marian was born April 11, 1919 in Rice Lake, WI and grew up in beautiful Shell Lake, WI. She graduated from Superior Teacher's College (now University of Wisconsin-Superior) in 1941. Marian started her elementary teaching career in Wisconsin, but moved to San Bernadino, CA in 1945 and taught the children of many service men returning home from WWII. After her marriage to Rolland (Ron) Spafford, the couple moved to Victorville, CA in the"High Desert" in 1947, where she continued to teach. The family enjoyed boating and camping together, and took many wonderful cross-country road trips to Shell Lake and So. St. Paul to visit Marian's, family. After retiring from teaching in 1985, Marian enjoyed traveling with her friends, visiting Russia, Scandanavia, the Caribbean, Panama Canal and the East Coast. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Victorville. Marian moved to Albuquerque in 1998 with her little dog,"Buddy", her faithful companion for 16 years. In ABQ, Marian enjoyed feeding the birds in the backyard and she was active at the Los Volcanes Senior center, the Meadowlark Senior Center, and Mesa View United Methodist Church. In spite of life-long medical problems, Marian was able to lead a full and active life. She was lucky to have many fine doctors, including Dr. Lillihei (U of MN), Dr. Davis (UCLA), Dr. Martin, Dr. Van Fleet, Dr. Dudley, and Dr. Elder (VV/Apple Valley), and Dr. Kim, Dr. Rodriquez, and Dr. Agbemadzo (Lovelace, ABQ). A very heart-felt"Thank You" to Rev. Schwarting, the Covenant Group at the Mesa View UMC and especially her friend, Sheila Smith; the entire staff at Sandia Springs Assisted Living; and Lovelace Hospice, for their friendship, kindness and compassion. Marian's ashes will be buried with her parents at the cemetery in Shell Lake, WI. There will be a memorial service at the Mesa View United Methodist Church, 4701 Montano Rd., NW in ABQ, NM on Sat, Sept. 13 at 10:00 a.m. Marian was a lifelong teacher and strongly believed in the value of a college education. A scholarship has been established in her honor at Victor Valley College in Victorville, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Victor Valley College District Foundation"In memory of Marian J. (Lutz) Spafford", 18422 Bear Valley Rd., Victorville, CA 92392. Marian was much loved and will be warmly remembered by her family and friends. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300
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