Nola M. Spooner

Nola Mae Spooner (Thompson) died on January 22, 2013, at the age of 79 at the Golden Living Center in Downs, Kansas. She was a dedicated homemaker who focused her energies into raising her children. She filled her later years with creating family quilts, gardening and yard work, and a variety of outdoor activities at her much-loved Waconda Lake. She greatly enjoyed her extended family members during reunions and holiday gatherings.
Nola was born in Carthage, Missouri on January 19, 1934 to Everett and Edna Thompson. She was the youngest of thirteen children and was preceded in death by her parents and ten brothers and sisters. Nola attended the Carthage public schools where she excelled in music by performing at the Missouri State Fair. In 1951 she met Donald Dale Spooner on a blind double date with his cousin. This relationship blossomed and they married soon after, with five children born to the union.
The family moved from Burr Oak due to Don's work at numerous jobs located in Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona. Later, the strong ties of North Central Kansas combined with extended family relationships led to their return in 1966. The family lived in Esbon, Cawker City, Alton, and Downs in North Central Kansas. Nola was most happy when walking around nearby Waconda Lake to search for lost fishing lures or enjoying the views and wildlife during frequent car rides around the lake. She proudly displayed her collection of fishing lures in wood cases lovingly built by her husband. Nola also loved camping activities with family at Waconda Lake.
Survivors include husband Don of Downs, Kansas; daughter Pam (Dodd) and Dale of Salina, Kansas; daughter Pat (Clay) and Russell of Guthrie, Oklahoma; daughter Connie (Bowman) and Richard of Salina, Kansas; son Larry and Debbie of Huntsville, Texas; son Jason and Ronda of Cawker City, Kansas; 14 grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation will follow a private family viewing with a future interment planned at an undetermined cemetery. The family requests cards or memorials sent to Don Spooner at 502 Ray Street in Downs, Kansas 67437.