Ellen Spickler

(From Meadors Funeral Home)

Lea “Ellen” Spickler died peacefully on August 16, 2026 in Springfield, MO.

She was born February 18, 1936 in Warrensburg, MO to James and Cleta (Scott) Landis. Her mother gave her the name Lea (pronounced “Lee) in tribute to the doctor who delivered her. She thought Lea sounded like a boy’s name so she went by her middle name, Ellen, all her life. She graduated from Fair Grove High School in 1954 and attended college at Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri).

She married Thomas Spickler on February 1, 1957 and they were together until his death, November 1, 2011.

Ellen enjoyed working and helping people. Over the years she worked at several banks and for both Cox Hospital and Mercy. Her last job was with Crossmark as a product demonstrator at Sam’s Club. She worked until March, 2020, when she was 84. She will be missed and remembered for her love and commitment to her family and her faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers (Kirk Kirkpatrick, Jim Landis and Jerry Landis) and her sister (Marilyn Dow), her son-in-law, Steve McPhetridge and her best friend of over 50 years, Loretta Yates.

She is survived by her daughters, Lois McPhetridge of Republic, MO, Pam Ticknor of Monett, MO and Danielle Dickerson, also of Republic, 3 sister-in-laws, Mary Ann Landis, Sharon Rusche and Annette Fares, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank Pastor Denny Marr, Larry and Donna Bowman and Calvary Baptist Church for all their help and support.

We also want to thank everyone at Magnolia Square Nursing and Rehab and Seasons Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care for our Mother as we all navigated her transition to Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Republic, MO

Ellen's care has been entrusted to Meadors Funeral Home and Permanent online condolences may be made at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.