Marjie Lee Spencer

Marjie Lee Spencer

Escalante, Utah

Marjie Lee Zenz Spencer,"Teach," 82, died Tuesday, April 5, 2016 peacefully at her home in Escalante. She was born December 27, 1933 in Susanville, California to Vergil John and Lola Rhodes Zenz. She married Thurman "Deadeye" Spencer, November 13, 1951 in Las Vegas, Nevada and returned to Escalante to share their lives together. Marjie was a devoted and loving wife to Thurman and a dedicated and supportive mother to her three sons. He preceded her in death.

Marjie began her love for teaching in Escalante in 1960 and affectionately earned the nickname "Teach" by her friends, students and associates. Her teaching career touched the lives of many at Escalante High School and Tickaboo where she taught Home Economics and History classes for over thirty years. She was an accomplished seamstress and assisted many young girls in her classes in school and within the community whenever she was called upon. She was always willing to help the "girls she never had" and took great joy and delight in helping others.

She also coached and enjoyed supporting the local high school sports teams and could be "clearly and distinctly heard cheering" on the teams to victory! Later in life, that same vigorous enthusiasm was repeated as Marjie could be seen and heard once again at games cheering on her grandchildren and great grandchildren!

Marjie loved politics. With Thurman’s encouragement and support, Marjie became a member of the Escalante City council and eventually became mayor, where she served diligently and honorably with a firm commitment to the town that she has shared a life-long love for. She also devoted her time and talents and served for over 10 years on the Board of Directors for Garkane Power Association and served as president of the Utah Rural Electric Association. She was always willing to give her heart and soul to the whole community! She was an accomplished, hardworking, educated, talented, loyal woman and an example to all those whose lives she touched.

Marjie’s other love was gardening. Her flowers brought her much pleasure and enjoyment, as well as gratification of having the greenest lawn in Escalante! Her family will always have fond and lasting stories to share and tell of "Ma," Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma!

She is survived by her three sons and their spouses: Sam Spencer, Escalante; Lee and Nancie Spencer, Palmyra, NY; and Fred and DeEtte Spencer, Escalante; former daughter-in-law, JanaLee and Louie Bernardo; 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

At Marjie’s request, no public services will be held. The family suggests contributions be made to a scholarship fund to the Escalante High School in Marjie’s name.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.