SHELL KNOB, Mo. — ALVENA L. SPANGENBERG, formerly from Great Bend, and Hudson, Kansas, was born July 28, 1947 in Salina, Kansas, daughter of Darold Ardale and Zelma Marie (Finn) Dodge, who preceded her in death.  She departed this life Monday, August 13, 2012 in her home in Shell Knob, Missouri, at the age of 65 years.

Alvena was a member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Parish.  She was an educator for 42 years, and a principal for 17 of those years.   She was a member and leader of the Professional Educators Organization (P.E.O.), Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms, the Greater Chamber of Commerce of Great Bend, Kansas, and Ourselves and Our Families Organization for battered women and children.

On September 11, 1970 Alvena was united in marriage with Kenneth Allen Spangenberg who survives her. She is also survived by her three children: Stephanie and husband Michael Simpson of Hesston, KS, Keegan Spangenberg of Denver, CO and Natalie and husband Yeqiang Wang of Topeka, KS; three grandchildren, Bradley Simpson, Morgan Simpson, and  Helena Wang; five sisters, Rae Marie and husband John Crisel of Zionville, IN, Cecilia and husband Floyd Smith of Newnan, GA, Elizabeth Ann and husband Jimmy Warren of Manhattan, KS, Clare and husband Erwin Rehme of Longmont, CO and Eileen and husband Mark Rinke of Lakeville, MI; in addition, several nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Visitation and vigil service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday, August 17 and a Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 18 with Father Reginald A. Urban officiating, both will be at Prince of Peace Parish, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4100  Broadway in Great Bend, Kansas. In lieu of flowers Alvena requested that memorial donations be made to Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms or Mercy Hospice, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at bryantfh.net.