Phyllis Anne VanWinkle Spangenthal was born in Omaha, Nebraska in December 1942 to Clifford VanWinkle and Matilda “Skip” Foral. A devout Catholic, a devoted wife and mother, and a woman of extraordinary character, Phyllis lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and love.

From an early age, Phyllis distinguished herself through intellect and spirit. She graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class and served as a cheerleader — a fitting combination of academic excellence and community energy that defined her throughout her life. She went on to attend Dana College on a full scholarship, where her love of learning continued to flourish.

Phyllis met the love of her life, Dale Spangenthal, when he asked her to dance at the Radar Club. Their whirlwind romance continued through phone calls and long-distance letters while Dale was deployed as a flight mechanic in Thailand. In a gesture as unique and heartfelt as the man himself, Dale proposed by sending Phyllis an engagement ring in a coffee can from overseas. They married in 1968 at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, and spent 57 wonderful years together.

Their journey as a military family took them across the globe. In Texas, they welcomed their first son, Bill. In Germany, their daughter Michele and son David were born. A few years in Richmond, Virginia, followed before they settled in Utah, where their youngest daughter, Julie, completed their family. Through every move and milestone, Phyllis was the steady heart of the household.

Faith was the cornerstone of Phyllis’s life — strong, unwavering, and expressed as much through quiet action as through prayer. She volunteered with her church in countless capacities, from laundering altar linens to baking sacrament bread. Her dedication extended beyond church walls: Phyllis was a passionate volunteer with hippotherapy, using her lifelong love of horses to bring joy and healing to children with special needs. She was, in every sense, a prayer warrior. She was always available to listen and always provided loving advice.

Phyllis was a trailblazer in the workplace as one of the first female computer programmers at Mutual of Omaha, a remarkable achievement in a male dominated career field. She explored careers in tutoring, real estate, and tax administration before discovering her true professional calling: civil service in real property at Hill Air Force Base, where she thrived for over two decades. Phyllis dedicated herself fully to her work and was recognized with numerous awards throughout her tenure, culminating as an Air Force Civilian Employee of the Year.

A devoted wife and mother, Phyllis rarely missed a sporting event, concert, dance competition, or play. She found immense joy in the everyday moments of family life — kicking a ball in the backyard, shooting hoops, playing Go Fish, or sitting cross-legged on the floor playing dominoes with her grandchildren. She was a formidable Wii bowler and, legend has it, always let the kids win.

As a wife, Phyllis was steadfast and selfless, ensuring Dale was cared for with quiet, unwavering devotion. As a grandmother to eleven, she celebrated every achievement with pride and showed up for each grandchild in every way possible. Her love was unconditional, her presence a gift, and her wisdom freely given.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved children, Bill Spangenthal and his wife Alisa Roddy Spangenthal of Texas, Michele Spangenthal Ware and her husband Scott Ware of Utah, David Spangenthal and his husband Timothy John Differt of New Jersey, and Julie Spangenthal Mills and her husband Brad Mills of New Hampshire; her cherished grandchildren, Emma Spangenthal, Cody Spangenthal, Hudson Spangenthal, Courtney Ware, Tyler Ware, Maggie Ware, Lanah Differt, Blake Differt, Delilah Mills, Sawyer Mills, and Daphne Mills; her beloved sister, Jean; and her step-siblings, Lori Lammers, Anita Kusek, Peggy Elvers, and Joe Foral. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale Spangenthal; her parents, Clifford VanWinkle and Matilda Mestecky VanWinkle Foral; and half-brothers, Clifford VanWinkle Jr., Murl VanWinkle and Calvin VanWinkle.

Phyllis will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, quick wit, and boundless love.

She was a prayer warrior, a devoted caretaker, a trailblazer, and a friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply and forever missed but her legacy will live on forever.

Friends may visit with family on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. with memory sharing at 7 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4050 South 3900 West, West Haven. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

To honor our mom’s beautiful legacy and her love for horse therapy, we are asking in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Therapeutic Assets. She cared deeply for the horses, the riders, and the amazing team who make healing possible there. If you would like to contribute in her memory, please donate through Zelle: Therapeautic Assets Inc. or by calling Cindy at 801-791-2761Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where our mom was a devote member, please link: https://forms.ministryforms.net/embed.aspx?formId=84890965-47de-4988-adfe-f4813ef4c5d3

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Phyllis’ obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared.