Karen Spence McLean (May 19, 1943 – December 4, 2016)

Karen Spence McLean (May 19, 1943 – December 4, 2016)

ROCK SPRINGS — Karen Spence McLean, 73, of Rock Springs, Wyoming passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She had been a longtime resident of Rock Springs and former resident of Laramie and Cody.

She was born on May 19, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of Andrew Robertson Spence and Vendla Sophia Huhtala.

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Mrs. Mclean attended school in Reliance and Rock Springs and was a 1961 graduate of the Rock Springs High School.

She was employed as a Business Education Teacher for School District #1 for thirty five years retiring in May of 2003.

Mrs. McLean was a member of First Congregational Church, UCC, SEA, WEA, NEA, Phi Gamma Nu, Kappa Delta Sorority, Wyoming Alumni Association and Sweetwater Retired Teachers Association. She was SCSD#1 Teacher of the Year, WBEA Teacher of Teachers Award, Arch Mineral Golden Apple Award Winner.

She was an active bridge player and Bunco player.

She served as President of the RS Babe Ruth League for a number of years, hosted several district and state tournaments. She was asked to be the first female District Baseball Commissioner in the State of Wyoming.

She co-hosted the Coal Camp Reunions (Dines, Winton, Reliance, and Stansbury) and published coal camp memorabilia-books, calendars, etc.

She worked as a car hop for Ann/Jim Cummings at the Five Star Drive Inn, Secretary in Guidance Dept at UW, Secretary for Jack Smith, Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education, Admissions Officer to Dean of Students at Western Wyoming College, Typing and General Business Education teacher at East Jr. High and White Mtn. Jr. High, and finished her teaching career at Rock Springs High School. She was the RSHS Pep Club Sponsor for several years, as well as the Future Business Leaders of America. She served on the SCSD#1 Policy, Attendance, and Salary Committees. Served on the Principal’s Advisory Group Mrs. McLean was Chairman for the Business Department at RSHS for 10 years. In her retirement, has served on the Insurance Committee representing the retirees of SCSD#1.

Survivors include two sons Robert A. Spence (Marianne) of Rock Springs, Wyoming and Garry A. McLean (Irene) of Green River, Wyoming; one daughter Kristin A. McLean (David) of Laramie, Wyoming; grandchildren Lennon A. Spence, Noah A. Spence both of Rock Springs; step-granddaughter Amber (Jace) Stevenson of Rock Springs, Michael & JD Richardson Green River, Wyoming, Nick & Jennifer Snyder Laramie, Wyoming; step-great-grandchildren Harlow & Jaxon Stevenson of Rock Springs; one brother Dr. Robert A. Spence (Susan)of Scottsdale, Arizona; brother & sister In-law Glen & Judy McLean of Helena, Montana; nieces and nephews Amy (Steven) Dahlby), Andrew R. Spence, Lindsay (TJ) Beam, Darrin (Patti) McLean, Vicki Thennis; great nieces and nephews Andrew & Matthew Dahlby, Trey & Tucker Beam, Kami & Garret McLean,Shawnae-Lyn Huffsmith; Huhtala cousins and Spence Cousins from Wyoming, Utah, Illinois. And California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, “Ding” and Vendla Spence, her husband Garry McLean, father-in-law and mother-in-law Glen & Maxine McLean, and brother-in-law James T. McLean.

Funeral Services are pending.