Obituary of Spencer S. Klingeman

Spencer Christman Sweeting Klingeman, age 30, died in a motor vehicle accident in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on December 21, 2018. Her energy, caring approach and constant presence will always be remembered and terribly missed. We are remembering Spencer as such a bright light, eternally cheerful and amazingly competent. Spencer is survived by the love of her life and husband of seven months, Derek Klingeman of Lakewood, Colorado, mother Sue Sweeting, father and stepmother Mike Sweeting and Sharon, sister Megan Sweeting and nephew Dex, and her beloved yellow lab, Tillie. She is also survived by mother-in-law Virginia Klingeman, father-in-law Fred Klingeman and wife Mary Jane. Spencer is also survived by step-siblings Jacquie, Taylor, Tara, Turner and Tyler and godmothers Pat Kohles and Mary Williams. Several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive. Spencer was predeceased by her maternal grandparents RADM and Mrs. Thomas J. Christman, paternal grandparents, Galey Sweeting and Judy and R.J. Powers, and godfather Art Kohles. Spencer was born in Watauga County on February 2, 1988. She grew up in Blowing Rock and attended Watauga High School, where she was involved in the Playmakers and played volleyball. Spencer was a graduate of North Carolina State University, with a degree in Biology and a minor in Genetics. While in college, she was a member of the Gospel Choir and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Spencers love of God and family was followed closely by her love for her friends. Her joyful personality allowed her to love freely and to embrace people wherever she went. Spencers spiritual foundation was deeply rooted in her Episcopal faith, and she attended Calvary Episcopal Church in Golden, Colorado. She was employed at Denver Westword in Denver, Colorado, where she loved her work and her co-workers. Spencer loved the outdoors and sharing adventures with her husband, Derek, and dog, Tillie. The family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Alpha Delta Pi Sorority or the Watauga High School Drama Department. A memorial service and celebration of life for Spencer Sweeting Klingeman will be conducted Saturday January 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Boone United Methodist Church. A reception will follow and the family will receive friends at the church following the service. In addition, a memorial service will be held at a later date in Golden, Colorado. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Klingeman family.