Doris Diamond Spangler, age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024 in the Palliative Care Unit of Novant Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Mrs. Spangler was born October 2, 1942 in Grayson County, Virginia and was a lifelong resident of the City of Galax. She was married to her loving husband Larry Spangler for 38 years.

She attended Pine Grove School in Grayson County and then Galax City Schools where she was a basketball player and cheerleader in high school. She worked in the hospitality industry until retirement and was a restaurant manager and supervisor for many years where she made a positive impact on her many employees and customers. After retirement, she fulfilled her dream job of becoming a full-time Grandmother and exercise enthusiast. She loved supporting her grandchildren and never missed an event, including ballet recitals, scholastic bowl competitions, practices, and sporting events of all types.

An avid runner, bicyclist, and spin instructor, she inspired many to work toward healthier lifestyles. She won numerous 10k races in her 60s and 70s and won three consecutive New River Duathlons in the Overall Female Division. She also was a participant in a Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Multi Day Race in Washington DC in honor of a close friend with cancer.

In addition to her husband Larry, she is survived by her children Cheryl Funk and Allan Funk (Lee Ann); son-in-law Cecil Mashburn; step-children April Ginnings (Gordon) and Ashley Britt (Chris); sisters Frances Wright and Barbara Hodge (Marshall); brother Larry Diamond (Michele); grandchildren Scott Sikes (Felicia), Shanna Sikes-Ingraham (Adam), Anna Funk (Maya), Mary Katherine Bopp (Austin), William Brannock, Alex Brannock, Zoe Ginnings, Camryn Britt and Caleb Archer; great-grandchildren Madeline, Maggie, Caden, Abby, Isaak, Avery, Ellison, Anna-Kate, Brooks, and John Britton; nieces and nephews; and many grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Tammy L. Mashburn, her parents, Edwin C. "Edd" and Mary Lowe Diamond, and brother-in-law Charles "Bud" Wright.

She was a faithful member of First Christian Church and First Baptist Church in Galax for many years. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church in Galax on Saturday, January 27th officiated by Dr. Scott Sikes and Dr. Kevin Rosenfeld. The family will receive friends from 1pm until 2pm with the service to follow.

The family would like to thank Senior Home Share in Galax for their outstanding love, attentiveness, and kindness shown to Doris during her stay with them. Special recognition to Kristina, Misty, Trudy, Kim, and others who provided exceptional care. In addition, they want to thank all the staff at Blue Ridge Home Health and Novant Forsyth Medical Center for their great care and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First Baptist Church in Galax or the Alzheimer's Association.