Elizabeth Jane Spangler

Elizabeth Jane Spangler, age 88 of Merrillville, IN and Los Angeles, CA, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017. Called Bette from an early age, she was born in Gary IN to Matt and Geneva [Tanner] Vlasic. Bette graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1946 and attended Purdue University and IUN. She enjoyed residing in Indiana for most of her life, as a wife, mother, volunteer, and contributor to many charity, social, and community activities. She was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church; St. Mary's Medical Center; Junior Guild; Gary Junior Assembly; Pi Sigma Pi sorority, Chicago chapter, and Andrean Parents Club. Bette's husband Ronald Spangler practiced law for more than 48 years as a senior partner and founding member of Spangler, Jennings and Dougherty. Bette's and Ron's passion for the University of Notre Dame's football program took them to many games around the country while their favorite times were on the campus in South Bend. Over time, they became fans of the Patriots as well. For Bette, the Fighting Irish and the Patriots benefited from the original experience that ignited her pigskin passion: her brother Jerry's stellar career as a high school and college player and revered coach at Bishop Noll High School in Hammond, IN. In 1997, Bette and Ron moved to Southern California to begin a new chapter near their daughter Debbie Barbanel, son-in-law Alan Barbanel and grandson Tristan Barbanel. She remained active socially by joining the Placido Domingo Chapter of the Guilds of Orange County Performing Arts Center and the Assistance League of Saddleback. Throughout her life, Bette enjoyed gathering with her friends and family. A vivacious presence, she also was an outstanding cook, homemaker and hostess. Bette's abiding priority was creating a strong family life, seeking to guide, protect and inspire, with a healthy sense of humor always at hand. She was a loving, giving mother and grandmother who embodied the full meaning of these words. Bette often said that her ethic came from the vivid example set by her parents and especially that of her mother when Bette's father passed away. Only 19 at the time, Bette left college to return home and help to raise her young brother so that their mother could earn a living. Bette also took jobs to help support the family; her mother even went on to become the first woman to serve as Lake County IN's Treasurer. This early challenge served Bette well years later when she saw Ron through two severe heart attacks while their daughter was in elementary school. Bette cited the sacrifices as well as optimism and focus on achievement, and she celebrated these qualities in all people. She expressed her values through these and many stories of the people she had come to admire in her life. They helped her survive through health challenges and personal loss. This is the legacy Bette left to her family and all who loved her. Bette was preceded in death by her parents, her young sister Judy, and her dear husband Ron. She is survived by her treasured brother Jerry and sister-in-law Lila Vlasic of Indianapolis; her loving daughter Debbie and son-in-law Alan Barbanel of Los Angeles; her beloved 22-year-old grandson, Tristan Barbanel; many nephews and nieces, in whom she took great joy; and the many friends of all generations she cherished throughout her life. Friends may visit with Bette's family on Friday, February 10, 2017 from 2 PM to 8 PM at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point IN. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 starting at Burns Funeral Home at 9:15 AM and proceeding to Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 5885 Harrison St., Merrillville, IN for Mass of Christian burial at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. The family welcomes flowers for the services. Donations in Bette's memory may be made to the Nazareth House of Los Angeles – Staff Bonus Fund, 3333 Manning Avenue Los Angeles, California 90064. The family appreciates the honor bestowed by donations for the kindness, care and giving provided by this Catholic living community where Bette lived. www.burnsfuneral.com

Elizabeth Jane Spangler

March 21, 1928 - January 26, 2017