Marian Lanora (Davis) Spinks

Marian Lanora (Davis) Spinks, 79, was born in Madera, CA, on June 30, 1946. Best known as Susie to her friends and family. She was the fourth child of five, and the youngest daughter of Otto and Viola Davis. In her growing up years, she spent many summers living in the mountains of CA, at various job sights of her father’s work. When summer came to an end, her family would retreat to the valley, so they could be walking distance to school.

After graduating college, she began her teaching career. This was her first and only choice for a vocation. In early 1970, she met Guy Spinks at a wedding, a month later they themselves were getting married. A union that lasted until death separated them Feb 3, 2026. A year later, Kelly, Kathy, and Billy Lucas came to live with them and were raised by Guy and Susie. In 1975, Wesley was born, making the family number 6.

In 1979, the entire family moved to Osiris, MO, north of Jerico Springs. A year later, Susie took a job teaching at El Dorado Springs Elementary, as a Title 1 math teacher. She remained in that position until retiring in 2008, to spend more time as an Oma. Even then she could not quit teaching, continuing working part-time at the Sheldon Elementary developing an after-school program. She retired again after fulfilling her dream of a pro-active and healthy environment for children. Susie also bore the office burden at Spinks Ranch LLC for 47 years, picking and putting numbers, pinching every penny to make miracles happen. Her last years were spent cherishing family and volunteering at Immanual Lutheran School in Lockwood, MO.

A beaten pathway leads to Susie’s door, treaded on by her children and grandchildren for a favor, quick snack, a visit, a game of cards or a good Sunday movie. Susie loved to swim, and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the neighbor’s children loved to come swim and eat ice cream bars with her.

Susie was a dedicated wife, Mother, Oma, Sunday school teacher, 4-H leader, camp director and educator. She blessed the lives of many children over her career and throughout her life. She will be terribly missed.

Services for Susie were held Saturday, Feb. 7, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. She was laid to rest in Zion Cemetery in Jerico Springs.