Richard "Ed" Edward Spencer

Richard “Ed” Spencer, passed away peacefully with family near, from a valiant fight with cancer, on October 12, 2015, at his home in Rigby, ID. He was born on May 17, 1946, in Missoula, MT the third child for Clifford Leroy and Lillie Mae Spencer. His siblings are Margaret (Doyle) May, Virgil (Cheryl) Spencer, and Geri (David) Hulse. Ed grew up in Drummond, MT and graduated from Drummond High School. He attended Ricks College for one year and then served a beloved LDS mission for 2 years in Denmark. He finished his education at BYU Provo where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and International Relations. Ed married Kaylin Kesler in 1968. Their 23 years together blessed them with five children; Jess (deceased), Sarah, Thomas, Daniel and Jenny. In 1999, while living in Conrad, MT, Ed married, Janet Bellew, once again adding to his family, and his love. He and Jan were happily married for 10 years until her passing. Ed moved to Rigby, Idaho to be closer to family and was blessed to find love with Cheryl Smith. They were very happy and lived life to its fullest. Ed believed family is defined by love and reaches beyond the traditional. Whenever asked about his family, Ed proudly counted his children at 22, and grandchildren at 34. Ed was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in various positions, most recently as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher. Those who were in his class were blessed by his testimony. Ed believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and applied the atonement in his own life. Ed served many others, and at times anonymously. He found joy in charity. Ed had a very successful career with Farm Credit Services in Ag Lending. He worked in and managed several branch offices in Oregon, Eastern Idaho and Central Montana. He loved those he worked with and enjoyed getting out with his clients and rolling up his sleeves. He created strong relationships with those he worked with and served. Ed was always a hard worker. In addition to his full-time employment, he always had a ranch with cattle, and in later years, sheep. Ed loved fishing and always kept amazing gardens. He enjoyed projects where he could take something and transform it into something better. Ed was known as the “Christmas Tree Man.” For over 30 years, he worked with his kids and grandkids cutting and selling wild Christmas Trees. He loved contributing to the Christmas spirit of those around him. Ed is survived by countless loved ones, including his spouse Cheryl Smith Spencer of Rigby, ID, his children, Sarah (Drue) Russell of Idaho Falls, ID; Thomas (Sharla) Spencer of Drummond, MT; Daniel (Sara) Spencer of Rigby, ID; Jenny Spencer of Kalispell, MT and sister Margaret May, brother, Virgil (Cheryl) Spencer, and brother in law David Hulse. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Lillie Spencer; infant son, Jess Spencer; Infant Grandson, Kolby Spencer and Sister, Geri Hulse. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Clark L.D.S. Chapel (189 N. 4300 E.) at 1:00 pm. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral at the church from 11:30 – 12:45. Burial will be at the Valley Cemetery in Drummond, Montana on Saturday October 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.