Patricia "Patty" Lee (Guenther) Spence

Patty Lee Guenther was born on June 28,1941 to Margret and Vincent Guenther (Liston) in Cleveland, Ohio. Patty has always been very special and quick witted since she was a child. Her mother was very protective over Patty as she was a miracle baby.

 Patty met her Lovie, Larry Spence when he was stationed in Cleveland, Ohio while in the Army. At first Larry and Patty were just friends but after time he won her love. Patty married the love of her life, Larry Raymond Spence on May 6, 1961. They were married for almost 59 years. He preceded her in death on April 13, 2020.

Patty and Larry moved to East Jordan, Michigan shortly after they were married

Patty was a city girl, so she had to adjust to the small town. Our favorite story was when she told us about going to the post office and meeting some other wives. She asked them to come over for coffee or tea and they said they had to can vegetables. She quickly said, “well can’t you just go buy them at the store they sell canned vegetables”.

Patty loved to play practical jokes, play cards, go to craft shows, loved to clean and loved to shop. She loved her home and her doll collection with many beautiful handmade furniture pieces Larry made

 Patty and Larry had four children Scott Spence (Linda Reynolds) Sheryl Valdez (Joe DeFranciscis), Todd Spence (Kalpana Gupta) and Renee Gerritsen (John Gerritsen)

Five Grandchildren; Sheresse Spence, Jessica Kaunisto, Meghan Gerritsen, Madelynn Gerritsen and Ashley Englert

Patty is survived by her sister Renee Lavery and her nephew’s Joe & Mark Hornyak and Niece Lindsey Lavery.

Patty loved the Lord and loved to sing hymn songs. Larry and Patty would travel to many churches in the area to sing. Our favorite story was when they sang at a prison and she was so scared to get up and sing as she watched all the inmates come in with chains but once she started singing the inmates were so happy and hooted and hollered.

Patty is best known for her wonderful story telling. She was a Librarian at the East Jordan School for many years. So many stories from many students and staff to tell. Her favorite story to read was the Polar Express at Christmas time.

 Patty was always quick to tell someone how beautiful they are and make their day. She went to be with her Lord Jesus on September 17, 2021 and to be with her Lovie Larry Spence.

We will miss her dearly as her love, laughter and fun was contagious.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in East Jordan, Michigan October 16,2021 at 11 am.

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