Our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Josie (Jo) Herridge passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020.
Josie was born on May 25, 1931, in Salt Lake City, to John and Sarah VanLeeuwen. She was the youngest daughter in her family and often shared stories of growing up during the great depression, as well as being a teenager during WWII. She graduated from West High School in 1949, where she was the Snow Queen in the winter parade. She loved skiing with her best friend Mickey and vacationing at Bear Lake throughout her life.
In 1951, she flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, and married her love, John Robert (Bob) Spence. Josie met and dated Bob in high school, deciding to marry when his Navy enlistment was extended at the start of the Korean Conflict. Speaking of her time in Hawaii, she would often say that she had a ‘two-year honeymoon’. On returning to Utah, they settled in the Monument Park area of SLC, where they raised their two sons until Bob passed in 1967. Josie was the Secretary at Highland High School for over 30 years, where she loved interacting with the kids and supporting the basketball and football teams.
Josie married Frank Herridge in 1989, who was not only her life’s partner but also became the surrogate “Gramps” to her grandchildren. She had a close and special relationship with her older sisters Gertie and Violet: a famous and funny trio at family gatherings and social events for over half a century. When not entertaining friends and family, they loved to shop and spend time together.
Josie loved and spoiled her grandchildren, as only a grandmother can. Her nickname, “LaLa”, came from the tune she would sing as she danced with her grandbabies. Josie always presented herself beautifully, ready with a bright smile and a warm hug for everyone. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed visiting and ministering to her neighbors and sisters in the ward. Frank and Josie served a mission, supporting Wards in the Central City area of Salt Lake.
Josie is survived by her husband, Frank, her sons, Jeffrey Spence, David (Kristin) Spence, grandchildren Nathan (Hannah) Spence, McKensie (Caleb) Montgomery, Carly (James) Farrelly, Bridger (Blair) Spence, Garret (Baylee) Spence, 10 great-grandchildren (with 2 on-the-way), and her brother Ray (JoAnne) VanLeeuwen. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Bob Spence, her brothers, Jake and Kenny VanLeeuwen, and sisters, Gertie Barney, and Violet McGrath.
Funeral services will be held on Tues. Dec. 15, 2020, at the Little Cottonwood 1st Ward, 6350 Rodeo Lane, Murray, UT, at 10:00 am. The funeral will also be broadcast via Zoom (see below). There will be no viewing due to COVID-19 concerns. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery following the funeral service. Due to COVID-19 please wear masks and practice social distancing.
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Dear Frank,
I was saddened to read of Josie’s passing. I have fond memories of her from the days at Highland High School. She was a delightful person to know and to work with. Always admired for sweet nature. God bless you today and always.
Love, Kay Neeley Galli
I express my sorrow for the loss of your spouse, mother, and grandmother. Also, for the loss of the final survivor of all of the uncles and aunts on the Spence side of my family.
To you Frank, and your wonderful family ; we send our love and best wishes today. Thank you Frank for your love and care for Josie for so many years. Your example to us all will not be forgotten. We will pray for you as you begin this next journey of your life. We are mindful of your kids and family that will be by your side. You will really never be alone. We remember a lifetime of happy times with you. Thank you for your friendship. You will always mean so much to us and our family. We will look forward to seeing you soon. May God bless you now and always....................we know He will.
Love Dave & Judy Fox