DeLena Ruth (Spanner) VanBriggle, 87 years old, passed away on June 17, 2024, in Cheyenne, WY. Her memorial service will be at 1pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. at Bridgman Funeral Home is Scottsbluff, NE. Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House or Shriners Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made by viewing DeLena’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
DeLena was born on February 23, 1937, in Denver, CO to Charles and Ruth (Pike) Spanner. Her early childhood was spent in Colorado. In 1948 their family moved to Gordon where she attended high school. While growing up, she was active in Girl Scouts and Jobs Daughters.
DeLena married Alvin VanBriggle on July 24, 1954. They were married for 67 years before Alvin’s passing in 2021. With the birth of their three children, family always came first. There are many memories of camping trips, boating adventures, and family vacations. Special memories include unique birthday cakes, matching Christmas stockings, and beautiful clothes all made by mom. While living in Gordon, DeLena was active in the Presbyterian Church, Jaycees, Eastern Star, Mariners, and various card clubs. She also served as a Den Mother for Mike’s Cub Scout troop.
DeLena and Alvin and their family moved to Minatare, NE, in 1967. DeLena worked for Parker Quality Printing in Minatare for 18 years. She was active in the Presbyterian Church, bowling, and keeping up and supporting the many activities of their children. After the kids were grown, DeLena and Alvin lived in Bayard, Bridgeport, and Gering and were active in all three communities. DeLena was an avid bowler and was awarded for 25 years attendance at the Nebraska State Bowling tournament. After Alvin’s retirement she also became active in antique tractor pulling events. She and Alvin were inducted into the Platte Valley Tractor Pullers Association Hall of Fame. DeLena and Alvin enjoyed traveling to attend many of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews’ activities. DeLena was active in P.E.O., volunteered at the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Scottsbluff.
DeLena is survived by her children Mike (Deb) VanBriggle of Acworth, GA, Jeannette (Mike) McGowan of Cheyenne, WY, and Judy (Greg) Wooden of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren Michelle (David) Allen of Douglasville, GA, Ryan (Sara) Conklin of Sunbury, OH, Kristen (Bryan) Weeks of Littleton, CO, Amanda (Tim) Orewiler of Rockmart, GA, Sherry Conklin of Marathon, FL, Melissa Wooden of Greeley, CO, Lea (Rob) Smithson of Monroe, GA; great-grandchildren Michael Allen, Mason and Jacob Conklin, Weston, Ethan, and Cooper Weeks, Katherine, Kimber, and Cody Orewiler, Isabel Beck, Madi, Maddox, and Macy McLarty, Ryan and Evan Smithson, sisters Emae (Art) Wherry, Pam (Bill) Steimle; brother-in-law Jim Parette; sister-in-law Marilyn VanBriggle; brother-in-law Orlan (Colleen) VanBriggle; sister-in-law Annette (Dennis) Lyon and many nieces and nephews.
Delena was proceeded in death by her husband Alvin; parents Charles and Ruth Spanner; in-laws Lowell and Frances VanBriggle; and granddaughter Terri Conklin.
