Copeland – Anita Sharon Spanier, 82, died October 4, 2022 at her home in Copeland. She was born on June 8, 1940 in McPherson, the daughter of Harold and Nora (Becker) Fulkerson. Sharon spent her childhood in McPherson. Her family then moved to California. Sharon married Ron Spanier on April 1, 1958. He preceded her in death on November 10, 2014. Ron and Sharon returned to Copeland where she finished high school.
Sharon went on to further her education at Dodge City Community College, earning an Associate’s Degree in nursing. She worked at Trinity Hospital in Dodge City before deciding to stay at home and care for her family. Sharon helped Ron on the farm any way she could. Taking meals during harvest, farm bookkeeping, and assisting with the cattle were just a few of the jobs she did. Sharon enjoyed painting, gardening, and photography. She would make photo albums for her grandchildren each year at Christmas with photos she had taken throughout the year. Sharon was a member of the Atomera Club, Red Hat Ladies, and was involved with several art galleries in Southwest Kansas. She also held painting classes for those wanting to learn to paint.
Sharon is survived by her four children, Gina Chaffin of Sublette, Michelle Spanier (Harlan Stewart) of Bastrop, Texas, Denise Meairs of Clint, Texas, and Stuart Spanier of Copeland; four siblings, Lonnie, Gary, and Vaughn Fulkerson, and Miriam Lugo; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron; a sister, Priscilla Campbell; a son-in-law, K.C. Meairs; two grandsons, Nicholas and Andru Chaffin; and a nephew, Ty Spanier. Funeral service will be held at Copeland United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:30 AM with Pastor Doug Harris presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Sublette on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to the Copeland Senior Center in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome. com.