On January 25, Iris Spence passed away in the Billing Clinic ICU surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren at the age of 88. Iris was born in Baker, MT to Henry and Bertha Annin Zabel. She grew up three miles north of Ismay and went to grade school in Ismay until the 7th grade. Her family then moved to the Kinsey project in 1940. She went to 7th and 8th grades at Kinsey and she graduated from Custer County High School in the spring of 1946. In the fall of 1946, she went to work for the telephone company and worked there for seven years. In March of 1952, she married Thomas Hanson and to this union were born, Karen and Rebecca, who gave her much joy and were a blessing to her. Tom and Iris moved to the ranch at Cohagen in 1953 where she lived for 42 wonderful years. Tom passed away in 1980 and she stayed on the ranch until 1993.
In 1984, she married William Spence and they worked on the ranch together. In 1993, they purchased a home in Miles City where they lived until Bill passed away in 2011. She lived close to Becky and Karen so she had much love, help and care. In 2013, she moved to a duplex close to Becky and her family and enjoyed having her extended family close. She cooked many meals to gather the families together. She was very thankful, grateful and loved for all their time spent together, especially the jelly canning with Jennifer Chamberlin and her family.
She had great moments with her grandsons and granddaughter when they were young and while they were growing up. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participating in 4-H, high school rodeos, (her girls each won an all-around saddle & qualified for the High School National Finals), basketball and other sports. She played basketball in all four years of high school and was co-team captain her senior year.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, her sister Alice Stickney, her brother Dale Zabel, her brother-in-laws Kenton Stickney, Floyd (Smokey) Hanson and James Carter, her sister-in-law Lilly Van Zant, step grandson Charles Gus Glasscock IV.
Iris is survived by her two daughters Karen (Gus) Glasscock of Fromberg, Becky (Ron) Stanton of Miles City, stepson Ron (Wendy) Spence of Billings, step daughter Carrie (Tom) Shaughnessy of Victor. She is survived by grandchildren Scott (Traci) Glasscock, Vonnie Glasscock, Wayne Berry, step grandchildren Elizabeth (Tim) Moore, Kathy (Danny) Wright , JD (Delene) Glasscock, Jennifer (Kanyon) Chamberlin, Wendy (Ryan) Larson, Renee (Derek) Hepper, Joshua Stanton, Becky (Nate) Kortum, AJ (Courtney) Spence, Erin (Michael) Moots, Ashley (Britton) James, Kaitlyn (Austyn) Venema, Tyler (Lexi) Shaughnessy, and several great grand children. She is survived by a cousin Audrey Watts, sister-in-law Peggy Carter of Chester, special niece Susan Newell, special nephews Steve (Jan) Stickney, and Mike (Karla) Hanson and special friend Sue Stanton.
Her life was good and she lived it to the fullest and lived it well. She said “I had many chapters in my life so will close the cover and move on.”
Iris received great joy in watching her great children playing sports and singing in their choirs and other activities. She enjoyed going to church, the church members and the little ones at church.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Sunday February 12, 2017
The Parlor
1806 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Sunday February 12, 2017
The Parlor
1806 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
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Deb Schmeling says
Sorry to hear about your dear Mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take time to remember all the memories that you have of your family.
Deb Schmeling
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Becky, Karen and Families, So sorry to read about your mom. What a great lady! Sending prayers.
Doug & Teri Zook says
To Iris’so family:
We heard today that Iris passed away. Makes a person sad to hear a great lady is gone. We always loved Iris and enjoyed her company through the years. She was such a hard worker –and a straight shooter too — and we really appreciated her. No doubt she will be missed so much by so many.
Vikki Bradley says
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Iris was a wonderful person.
Vikki Bradley & Family
Shannon Holmen says
Becky & Wayne, so sorry to hear of Iris. I always got a kick out of her. Here’s to good memories. My prayers.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Karen Barnes says
Becky, Karen and families, I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed by so many – I will miss visiting with her at all the family gatherings we were both at. It was a privilege to have her as a fellow great grandmother – she was such fun and always made sure she did her share. May all your good memories comfort you at this sad time.
Maureen Larson says
Karen, Becky & families – The world just lost a wonderful lady but heaven has gained a beautiful soul. I have such fond memories of when we were neighbors at Cohagen many years ago & always enjoyed the time we spent together. I too enjoyed seeing Iris at the basketball games & the smile she always greeted me with. Rest in peace dear Iris, you lived a full life. Karen, Becky and families I know your memories and God’s loving arms will bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
Karen, Becky, and families,
So sorry for your loss . Our thoughts and prayer are with you folks during this time of sorrow. Will miss seeing her, and her beautiful smile. May wonderful memories help you through this.
Jo Ryan says
Karen and Becky and Families.
So sorry for your loss. Treasure all the memories. Thinking of you at a very hard time.
Connie (Earley) Watts says
Becky,
So very sorry to hear about your mother. It was such a privilege to get to know her. May God bless you and soothe your aching heart. Love you!
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Karen, Becky, and families,
So sorry to hear about your mother, Enjoyed seeing her at the football games this fall. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. God Bless!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Lorraine Stolts says
Karen /Becky & families,
So sorry. She will be missed by all.
God Bless
Pat & Bob Corbin says
Becky & Karen, Oh the memories this wonderful lady has given us. There are just no words to say and a time like this. Hold those memories close and never forget all the great things your mom has done for so many. You are in our thought and prayers. Iris will be missed by all of the people that spent any time in the Cohagen community. She was solid as a rock to all of us. Please give me a call if there is anything I can do for you. Hugs to both of you and all your families.
Jackie Currey says
Dear Karen, Becky, and your families… I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. There were so many years growing up that she was a second Mom to me. Gosh we did have some good times and I have always had such great memories of your Mom! She was such a hard worker, but always made us laugh. To me, she was one of my angels on this planet… and now she is truly a beautiful Angel. She touched so many folks and anyone that knew her, loved her. I keep you all in my prayers.. keep your beautiful memories close to your heart!!
Carol Kibler McNutt says
Becky, Karen and families, Have not seen you mother in years but remember how nice she was to everyone, and her beautiful smile. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May your great memories give you comfort.
George and Susan Hageman says
We are sorry for your families at this time of loss. Iris was a very happy, sweet and very hard working lady. We have very fond memories of her. May your wonderful memories sustain you at this time.
Dee Ann McLellan-Sams says
Karen and Becky, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I was reminiscing the other day and had to share a story about your Mom. What a blessing she was to so many of us! I loved her smiles and hugs when I would see her. Just remember I am here if you need anything.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Becky, Karen and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a special lady your Mom was, Chris and I both have such wonderful memories of her. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We send our love.
Dodie Paxson says
Karen, Becky & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom passing. She was a hard working lady but always a lady! She is remembered by her contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor. You are so lucky to have had her as your mom as she was the mom everyone wanted to have. Cling to your many wonderful memories and know you are in my thoughts. If you need anything and I can help please get ahold of me. Love & Hugs to all!
Dodie
Muff Engdahl says
Karen, Becky and all of Iris’s family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So many wonderful memories through the years at the Hanson Ranch. May all your wonderful memories fill your hearts with joy as you go through this time of sorrow. Iris was a very special lady.
Muff and family
Steve Pluhar says
Dear Karen, Becky and Family
We are sorry to hear of your lose but we know she is in a better place and most likely is helping someone there.
She was always a happy and friendly lady. I think the last time I seen her she was helping serve at the luncheon at my moms funeral. Our prayer go out to you. Steve and Brinda Pluhar.
Mary kindt says
Karen Becky and family so sorry to hear of your Moms passing, What a great Mom she was to me also!! Know you are in our prayers and will see you at the service!! Hugs to all Mary Mike Kindt and family
Mary kindt says
Karen Bec and families, So sorry to hear of your moms passing What a great weekend Mom she was to me also!! Hugs to all and will see you soon! Mary, Mike kindt and family
Ray and Sheri Clauson says
Iris was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen, Becky and families.
Irene Trogden says
Karen, Becky & family. So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful lady Iris was. My prayers are with you at this time. I will never forget the Cohagen play she was in as a little black “Mammy”. What an actress she was.
Irene (Lilienthal) Trogden
Helen Johnsen Deines says
Karen and Becky; Mom and I send our condolences…(Ella Johnsen) she is here in Idaho with me for another few weeks. I have many memories of Iris and Tommy and you girls from our Coil school years and 4-H. May God bless you
Lourdes says
Vonnie- thinking of you and sending lots of love…
Lorraine Stolts says
Iris’s family,
I hated getting that call but you know your Mom is at peace. Will missed by many.
God Bless, Lorraine
gary and pat helm says
KAREN AND BECKY, SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOM, BUT SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO YOU AT THIS TIME. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. GARY,PAT AND FAMILY
Audrey Liebelt Bruckner says
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, my prayers go out for all of you.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Karen, Becky, and families–
I’m so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. What a blessing to have had her living by you, Becky, for the last couple years. I know you will cherish those memories and look back on them with such love, gratitude and fondness. Many people are thinking of you all and raining their love and prayers down on you now and during the coming days. Peace be with all of you!
With heartfelt condolences,
Kim Stanton
Daniel & Audrey Guesanburu says
Becky, Karen and Families, so sorry for the loss of your Mom, she was a wonderful person. Thinking of all of you and saying a little prayers.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Karen, Becky and your families…..I send warm thoughts of sympathy to you. What a wonderfully devoted mother you have been blessed with,and to be surrounded by so much family must have been her greatest joy! May your hearts be blessed with peace and comfort in knowing she lived such a full life!
Mike and Debbie Stocker says
Becky, Karen and families, I’m so sorry for your loss. It is so difficult to lose our parent, I pray that God wraps his loving arms around you and sees you through this. You have so many wonderful memories of her that will help keep her close until you meet again.
Lee and Kathy Baugatz says
Just wanted to say to the family of Iris , what a wonderful person she was . Iris and Bill were our neighbors at Pioneer Circle . Thank God for people like her .
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Becky, Karen and family So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Becky, Karen and other members of Iris’ family:
We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss. We pray that God will grant each of you peace, solace and comfort during the coming days, weeks and months.
Mary Alice Murnion says
Karen, Becky, and families, I have a lot of fond memories with your Mom in the High School Rodeo days, as well as many other days. She was one of a kind, and will be missed by all who knew her. I had not seen Iris for quite awhile, but I know if I did see her it would be just like yesterday, because that was just the way she was, once a friend always a friend. Very lucky to have her for a Mom Girls.
Joe and Bev Murnion says
Iris was always one that you were glad to see Our deepest sympathy to all
Peggy and Chuck says
Thinking of you and your family, our sympathy.
Carol Willaims says
I was very sorry to hear of Iris’ passing. She became a friend as soon as we moved to Cohagen and was always lots of fun. A Prairie Chick meeting was always interesting when Iris was there. My condolences to her entire family.
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry for the loss of your loved one she was a nice lady . God bless you all prayers to Karen and all the hole family.
Deb Bartholomew says
Becky, Karen and Families:
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a special Lady with a heart of gold. She always had time to visit when she saw anyone she knew. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help you thru this difficult time and the days to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Butch and Phyllis Arthur says
Karen, Becky, and family,
It sounds like your mother left a wonderful legacy of faithfulness and love.May you know the Lord’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Hugs.
Debbie Weyer says
so sorry to hear of Iris’s passing. You all have my deepest condolences. I saw her last winter at a BB game. Had the greatest visit with her. “DEATH, leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal”. author unknown.
Sally Fitch Ness says
So blessed to have had your mom in my life. She was always a bright star. Becky and Karen my prayers to you and your families.
Brad and Sandie Green says
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all
Carla Murnion says
Becky, Karen and family,
Thinking of you at this sad time, and sending my deepest condolences.
Cathy Byron says
Becky –
I am so sorry for your loss. It is hard to say that last goodbye to a mother. My heart and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Treasure the memories.
Dan and Ruth Ferris says
Karen and Becky, and Families,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Karen, Becky and Families,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Treasure all your memories she was a wonderful and fun filled person.
Mary Snell says
Becky, Karen and Family of Iris:
My sincere sympathies to you all. What a great woman Iris was and I know I will miss seeing her.
Karson and Marie kluver says
Karen, Becky and Families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know you have many wonderful memories of your Mom. God Bless You.
Thanks for the hug Becky–it meant a lot.
Karson and Marie Kluver
SUSIE REDDING says
Becky,
So sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her bringing you girls over to Myers back in the day………I thought it was so neat that she gave you the opportunities to go so many places and participate…..Hold your memories close…..God Bless