Ms. Ellen Louise Taylor Schroer Spangler, age 87, of Mentone, AL, formerly of Bloomington, IL, died Sunday, August 8, 2021, at her residence.

Ms. Spangler was born January 22, 1934, in Bloomington, IL, daughter of the late Eugene Taylor and Lois Spangler Taylor Pierce.

Beginning in the 1960's and through the end of her life, Ellen fought for equality and justice for all people. Her primary focus was equal rights for women. Beginning in the late 90's she focused on climate change and how we could live on the planet in a sustainable way with the least impact.

She had a great love of music and was an accomplished pianist. In the late 1970's she built a harpsichord and played it for many years. She loved participatory music encouraging all to join in singing and playing, regardless of musical background or talent. For example when her children were young she volunteered at their elementary school to play the autoharp and lead sing-alongs, often passing out maracas and other simple percussion instruments so all could participate.  She continued this practice in many adult groups she participated in throughout her life.

In the 1970's she turned her substantial energy and organizing talent to tackling the difficult issue of violence against women.  She worked with the Jacksonville (FL) Women's Movement to create a Rape-crisis hotline, and to advocate on behalf of victims with the police and emergency room medical staff. In 1976, she was one of the Founding Board Members for the creation of Hubbard House, the first domestic violence shelter in the Southeast US. Hubbard House still operates in Jacksonville, FL and the book A House on Hubbard Street by Louise Stanton Warren chronicles the efforts to create and maintain the shelter (ISBN 0-9665565-0-X).

After her time in Jacksonville, she moved to Anderson, South Carolina, and in 1997 to Mentone, AL with her life partner Mary Alice Stout. They were founding owners in Mountain Mama's craft shop. Together, they researched, designed, and built an earth-sheltered home, employing rainwater collection for their water (from a separate building) and using composting toilets.  Ellen was always aware of human impact on the planet and worked to both lessen her own impact and teach others to be aware of and reduce their impact.

She was a loving, caring mother to her four children, spending time with them and their spouses and children whenever she could. She was always available to celebrate the joyful times and provide comfort during the difficult ones.

Survivors include her life partner, Mary Alice Stout; children, Jay Schroer, Ron (Barbara) Schroer, Greg (Frankie) Schroer, and Carla Schroer (Mark Mudge); 5 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

In accordance with her wishes, Ms. Spangler was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family invites you to contribute pictures and stories to their online memorial at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/aUzjBkFe/ellen-spangler