Ethel L. Spiller passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2024 at the age of 94 at The Waters nursing home in Springfield TN. She was born in the Mount Sharon community on April 6, 1929. Her parents were Thomas Alfred Crutcher and Ethelea Binkley Crutcher.
Ethel graduated from Coopertown High School and attended Draughon’s Business College in Nashville for one year before going to Washington, DC to work for the the Dept. of the Navy. While in Washington she met and married Clyde R. Spiller, who was serving in the Navy. After Clyde’s retirement in 1963, the family returned to Robertson County, built a home, and farmed for many years.
Although Ethel described herself as a clerical worker, she enjoyed many varied jobs and volunteer opportunities in her lifetime. In 1967 she began to serve in the Veterans’ Administration, working her way up to the position of adjudicator. She later became a veterans’ advocate at AMVETS.
Upon retirement she became active in the community in significant ways. She organized a successful legal fight against an illegal landfill on Highway 49. She also promoted the creation of North Crest Hospital in Springfield. These activities led to her effort to incorporate the city of Coopertown. She was elected the first mayor of Coopertown in 1996.
She is preceded in death by her husband Clyde R. Spiller and son Andrew W. Spiller, as well as siblings J.T. Crutcher, Travis Crutcher, Evelyn Fann, and Stanley Crutcher. She is survived by her children, James Spiller (Elsa), Ray Spiller (Carol), and Dory Hudspeth, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to the building fund at Mt. Sharon Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
