Jill M. Spencer

Jill M. Spencer, 75, of Independence, MO, died on Monday, February 27th. A memorial service to celebrate Jill�s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 4 at the Walnut Gardens congregation of the Community of Christ, 19201 East R. D. Mize Rd, Independence, MO. Family and friends will gather in the church hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Graceland University�s Professional Nurses Scholarship Fund, 1401 W. Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64050.
Jill Marcia Spencer was born March 10, 1930, to Luke John Godwin and Ettie (Blows) Godwin in Taree, New South Wales, Australia. The family moved to Sydney during the depression so Jill�s father could find work. Jill graduated from the Burwood Home Science High School, then pursued her desire to become a nurse. She was certified as a registered nurse in 1951, received a certification in midwifery in 1953 and worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Jill married Geoffrey F. Spencer in Sydney in 1953. The following year Geoff became a full-time minister in the Community of Christ church and the two served the church in several locations in Australia. They had three children and in 1966 the family moved to Independence at the request of the church so Geoff could serve in its world headquarters.
After her three children reached school age, Jill returned to work. She worked as a unit secretary at the Medical Center of Independence and then as a nurse in the office of Dr. Frederick W. Hahn Jr. She later returned to school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and received her certification as a registered nurse. She spent the remainder of her career at St. Luke�s Hospital of Kansas City, working on the neurological unit until 1992.
Throughout her life, Jill expressed her creativity through sewing, gardening and decorating her home. She was a gracious and meticulous hostess, often entertaining visiting Australians, church members and friends in her home.
As only child, Jill returned frequently to her beloved Australia to spend time with her family and friends and to care for her parents. She devoted much of her time in retirement to caring for and enjoying her grandsons, Luke and Cale Parton.
In 2003, after 37 years in Independence home, Jill and Geoff moved to Lee�s Summit, MO to live with their daughter, Shelley Spencer-Parton, and son-in-law Shawn, and Jill was able to spend time daily with her grandsons. Jill and Geoff moved to Rosewood at the Groves Assisted Living Center last summer when additional care became necessary.
Jill is survived by sons Paul Spencer and Mark Spencer, both of Harford, CT; Shelley and Shawn; grandsons Luke and Cale. Geoff, her loving husband of 52 years, died December 29. She is also predeceased by her parents and grandson Connor Parton.