Laura Spalsbury

Laura Lee Spalsbury September 25, 1922---September 24, 2012 Laura Lee Spalsbury 89 of Safford passed away Monday, September 24, 2012 at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center. Laura Lee was born September 25, 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri to Edward and Alta Golden. She was the third child born to this couple. She had two older brothers who died in World War 11 a week apart. Laura Lee attended school in St. Joseph, Mo. and Chanute Kansas. She graduated from Chanute College and also attended the University of Kansas. She attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music as a flute player. At the University she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She met the love of her life Duane George Spalsbury at a dance class in St. Joseph, Mo. They later married in 1944 in Salilnas California. They spent a few months together before Duane shipped out to Europe as a fighter pilot in World War 11. Steve , Lynn and Roger were born while they lived in the Midwest. Julie joined the family after they moved to Safford in 1955. Laura Lee was a stay at home mom. She was very much involved in all aspects of Duane and the kids activities. She was a member of the Mt. Graham Womens Golf Association, Mt. Graham Hospital Auxiliary program and the Youth Choir Director at the First United Methodist church. She also kept the books for the Methodist Day Care Center for over twenty years as a volunteer accountant. Laura Lee was also a member of EAC orchestra for many years as a flute player. She also gave flute lessons. While her kids were in school Laura Lee was their biggest fan. Whether their boys were on the football field or the girls were in the band or choir or cheerleading from the sidelines. She was always there to support them. She was a great seamstress for her daughters. She created formal dresses for dances and special occasions. She could put together just about any outfit they wanted. She made several dance team uniforms. Laura Lee was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Lynn and a son Roger. She is survived by her husband Duane of 67 years, a son Steve of Sunsites, AZ., a daughter Julie Cluff ( Houston) of Safford, 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. A Memorial service for Laura Lee will be held Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist church in Safford. In lieu of flowers, donations may given to First United Methodist Preschool & Daycare Center.