-Shirley Anne Spensko, age 90, of Helper, Utah, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on September 26, 1935, in Spring Glen, Utah, to Joseph and Martha Beatrice Fazzio.
Shirley attended Carbon High School, Carbon College, Brigham Young University and Utah State University. She earned her teaching degree from Brigham Young University. Teaching was not only her profession but her lifelong calling and passion.
On September 8, 1956, Shirley married the love of her life, Albert J. Spensko, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.
Shirley began teaching in the coal camp of Castle Gate School, replacing a teacher who was ill. In the fall of 1957, she began her full-time teaching career at Reeves Elementary in Price, then moved on to Durrant Elementary. She later joined Helper Central School before finding her long-term home at Sally Mauro Elementary, where she dedicated 35 years to inspiring and guiding her 4th grade students. After she retired, she returned to Sally Mauro as a part-time reading specialist. She not only taught but served as a mentor to new teachers in the school.
Known for her impeccable sense of style—always polished, professional, and graceful—Shirley brought warmth, high expectations, and kindness to her classroom every day. She leaves behind a lasting legacy as “one of the best teachers anyone could have,” remembered fondly by generations of students and colleagues. She is forever remembered by her students for her teaching and kindness.
She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, tole painting, gardening and spending time at their beloved cabin at Scofield Reservoir.
Shirley is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 69 years, Albert J. Spensko; children, Debbie Yenne (Ralph), Kelly Spensko (LeeRoy Arellano), and Jennifer Crouse (Steve); grandchildren, Abigail Yenne Carter, Zachary Yenne, Morgan Crouse Child and Shawn Arellano; great-grandchildren, Ava, George, Zayden, Degan, Toren, Cooper, and Charlee. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Kloepfer (Matt) and Becky Donaldson (Brady).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Martha Beatrice Fazzio; and in-laws, Rudolph and Alba Spensko.
She will be remembered for her wit, caring and teaching abilities by her 4th grade students who would often greet her with, “Hi, Mrs. Spensko! You were the best teacher I had—I was in your 4th grade class.”
Shirley will forever be remembered for her presence that brightened every room, and her influence will continue to be felt in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her.
We are deeply grateful to the wonderful staff at Castleview Hospital for the gentle care, compassion and support they provided to our mom and our family, specifically, emergency room, med-surg, respiratory and food service.
Funeral Mass, Friday, November 7, 2025, 10:00 a.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church, Helper, Utah. Vigil service, Thursday, November 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah 84501). The family will receive friends one hour prior to both services. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper, Utah.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Shirley online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.