Florence Spencer
Florence “Flo” Elaine Spencer
Florence “Flo” Elaine Spencer, 86, passed away peacefully at Genesis Hospice Morrison House, surrounded by her children.
Flo was born January 6, 1940, in Zanesville, Ohio, the youngest daughter of Thelma and Charles Kinney.
If you knew Flo, you knew she was feisty, outspoken, stubborn, and completely unapologetic about all three. She had a strong opinion about just about everything—and was usually happy to share it, whether you asked for it or not. But underneath that stubborn streak was a friendly, hardworking woman with a wonderful sense of humor and a heart that was always happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends.
Flo appreciated the finer things in life: crab legs, dark chocolate, breakfast at absolutely any hour of the day, and perhaps a little gambling now and then. She enjoyed watching game shows and Law & Order, listening to country music, taking rides through the country, and traveling throughout the United States.
But Flo’s true happy place was her kitchen. She loved to cook and was an excellent cook. Her food may not have been fancy, but it was always delicious—and you were probably going to eat whether you were hungry or not. Her kitchen was a place where family and friends gathered, stories were told, and nobody left empty-handed.
In her later years, Flo proved that age was merely a number—and apparently, so were mobility restrictions. She could frequently be seen making her way around the neighborhood with her walker or cruising along on her mobility scooter. She was, quite simply, unstoppable. If Flo had somewhere to go, she was going. The rest of us were just going to have to keep up.
Flo is survived by her sons, Steven Crumbaker Sr.; Nicholas (Brenda) Crumbaker Sr.; Bruce (Staci) Crumbaker Sr.; daughter Rebecca Crumbaker (Chuck Stemm); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will carry her memory—and probably a few of her opinions—with them.
In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Spencer Sr.; son, Mark Crumbaker; infant brother, Charles Kinney Jr.; and sisters, Patricia Nunley and Shirley Harriman.
Flo leaves behind many wonderful memories, countless stories, and enough family recipes and opinions to keep everyone talking for years to come. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her—but knowing Flo, she would probably tell us not to make too much of a fuss.
Special thanks go to the compassionate staff at Genesis Hospice Morrison House for the exceptional care they provided to Flo and her family. We are also grateful to her neighbors, special friend Adrian Browning, and the Zanesville Fire Department and Zanesville Police Department for their kindness, assistance, and care over the years.
Flo lived life on her own terms, loved her family fiercely, enjoyed the things that made her happy, and never let a little thing like age—or anyone else’s opinion—slow her down.
Rest peacefully, Mom. Save us a seat, keep the cup of tea hot and don’t spend all the gambling money before we get there.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
