Ellen Spangler was born in 1934 and was the only child of Red and Isabelle McCurdy of Murraysville, Pennsylvania. She loved the outdoors, played the piano and was crowned May Queen of Franklin High School in her senior year. Ellen met her future husband, Richard, the summer before her senior year at Lake Erie. Upon graduation in 1952, Ellen worked as a secretary at Western Electric in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Ellen and Richard married in 1954, when he returned from serving in the Army in Colorado. They were happily married for 70 years and raised their children, Rick and Susan, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ellen was a homemaker, Girl Scout Leader, Sunday school teacher, member of her church choir, esteemed baker and Pittsburgh Steeler football fan. Ellen and Richard enjoyed camping with their family throughout the Eastern US. In 1996, Richard retired, and they moved to Pawleys Island, SC and embraced life at the beach. They enjoyed a trip to Europe and a few cruises with friends.
Ellen has always been a devoted grandmother to her three grandchildren. She and Richard traveled to North Carolina, back to Pittsburgh and finally Georgia to stay active in their grandchildren’s lives. Ellen moved to Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet in June 2024 and is blessed to live down the street from her son and his wife. She loves her caregivers and new friends.