Margaret Eloise Groff Spencer

Margaret Eloise (Groff) Spencer, beloved lifelong resident of Grayville, passed away on Wed., Feb. 15, 2017 in Bradenton, FL surrounded by her loving family.

Margaret was born in Grayville, IL on Nov. 5, 1916 to Daniel F. and Mary A. (Williams) Groff. Having recently achieved her goal of living to be a century old, she celebrated her 100th birthday in November with family and friends who traveled from around the country to celebrate with her in Bradenton.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Legler (Kennedy) of Bradenton, FL; daughter, Cindy Doty (Steve) of San Antonio, TX; three grandchildren, Kennedy Brandon Legler (Emmalee), Austen Spencer Legler, and Megan Leigh Warnock (Stephen); two great grandchildren, Brynn Legler and Harper Warnock; and brother, Gene Groff (Ann); as well as several nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Vertis E. Spencer, as well as her parents and four siblings: Harold, Paul, Helen and Jerry.

A proud graduate of Grayville High School, Margaret was involved while in school in a number of extra curricular activities including a position on the school drum line. One of her first jobs as a teen was working as an assistant to Margaret and Noland Seil, the publishing family for Grayvilles newspaper, The Mercury Independent. In 1940, Margaret married the love of her life, Vertis Spencer, and on July 3, 2005, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Margaret was a member of the Eastern Star for over 65 years, a former Girl Scout leader, as well as member of the First Methodist Church of Grayville. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who held immense pride for her hometown of Grayville. She loved her dogs, reading, and staying connected to family and friends.

Services will be at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville on Fri., March 3, 2017 with visitation from 1 p.m. 2 p.m. and services at 2 p.m. with internment in Oak Grove Cemetery immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, Inc., 120 40th St. Ct. NW, Bradenton, FL 34209 or Groff Memorial Library, 118 S. Middle St., Grayville, IL 62844-1678.

Visitation: Cook Funeral Chapel Grayville, March 3, 2017 - 1-2pm

Service: Cook Funeral Chapel Grayville, March 3, 2017 - 2pm