Kandace “Kandi” Sue Spurling 42 passed away Friday, June 10, 2022.
Kandace was born June 8, 1980, to David and Lana (Patterson) Spurling in Brush, Colorado.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday June 21, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church of Otis at 11:00 am. Inurnment will be at the Otis cemetery.
Kandi was born a special needs child. Kandi embraced life like she was no different than anyone else. She had limited speech but that never stopped her from communicating and having an impact everywhere she went. Kandi went home to her heavenly father on June 10, 2022.
Along with David and Lana, Kandi was raised by the Otis community and local Churches. Kandi started school in Akron with Boces when she was three years old and then was able to go to start Kindergarten in Otis. Kandi stayed in Otis until she attended the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. She only stayed for six months because the school didn’t think she didn’t qualify completely because she didn’t have documentation of hearing loss. Gena Karg formally of Boces had reached out to Lana and wanted Kandi in her class so she was enrolled in Thompson Elementary in Sterling. Then Gena took another position, so Kandi transferred to the Yuma School District under the direction of Boces.
After a couple years, Lana went to the Otis School Board to have Kandi return to the Otis School District and be able to possess the social skills necessary to be out in the community. Kandi was welcomed into the Otis school by staff and students. She became a big part of the Volleyball team, kitchen staff, and preschool helper. During all her years of school, Kandi also made several trips to occupational therapy appointments on the front range and in Sterling. At age 18, Kandi’s family doctor suggested that she get some genetic testing. The outcome of the testing finally gave answers to why Kandi was the way she was.
Kandi has a chromosome disorder known as 22q13d which means her 22nd chromosomes is inverted, and the 13th has a piece missing. Kandi’s family now knew she was just the way she was supposed to be and nothing could change her and we didn’t want to.
After Kandi graduated, she made her daily rounds by visiting the café, Sito, Ison Oil, and the school. Kandi enjoyed going to all sporting events as a spectator. She would still be included with the volleyball team
Kandi never missed anyone’s birthday in our family because she knew the dates better than most of us. In 2003, Kandi moved to Galeton to live at the Triangle Cross Ranch. While she was there, she was employed by Cousin Jamie Webers cleaning service along with another cousin Amy Grantham. She resided there until 2007 when she got to return home to Otis. Kandi went back to her normal routine she had before but added going to the Kalandy Center in Yuma. This led her being a part of Northeastern Colorado Services. In 2013, Kandi was able to move into group home in Sterling. Now she was a part of Logan Industries where she still was able to participate in activities if she wanted to. In Kandi’s lifetime she participated in numerous community events, the Special Olympics, Tim Tibows Prom. Most of all, everyone knew how much of a Mickey Mouse fan Kandi was.
Kandi was preceded in death by Grandparents John and Marcelyn Patterson of Otis and Vadie Spurling of Oden Arkansas. Aunt and Uncles Bette Patterson of Otis, Eugene Cowart of Black Springs Arkansas, and Jim Milham of California. Cousin Nancy Milham. She is survived by her parents David and Lana Spurling of Otis. Sister Alisha Thorn and husband Devin of Akron. Sister Brooke Price and husband Ryan of Otis. Nephew and nieces Jarryd Smith (Jaydan), Gavin and Hattie Price, Kiley Florian, Tyler and Erick Thorn, Ashley (Jordan) Wesley. Great Nephews and Nieces Tayte, Temperance, Daxtyn Smith, Kira Andeerson, Peyton Glenn, Johnny, and Elli Wesley. Uncles and Aunts Jerry (Cheryl) Patterson, Lonny (Sandy) Patterson, and Cathy Cowart. Cousins Collin (Michelle) Patterson, Shae (Dan) Smith, Jamie (Jerry) Weber, Sara (Jon) Botkin, Amy (Nick) Grantham, Dillon Patterson & Trent Wilkerson, John Patterson and Derik Dittmer, Haley (Andrew) Perry, Melissa (David) Lybrand, and Rick Cowart. Numerous other cousins, uncles, and aunts.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Logan Industries or the Otis High School Alumni Scholarship.
2022-06-24