Rita Ellen Spindler
Florida Heartland Chapter
Rita Ellen Spindler passed on July 20th, 2023. A beloved wife to Richard G. Spindler (Deceased) and survived by two sons, Richard A. and Christopher R. Spindler, Christopher’s wife, Hyunsook Hwang-Spindler, and three grandchildren, Hannah, Richard, and Christina. Rita Ellen loved people and animals of all varieties. She was a Registered Nurse for over 45 years and worked at Highlands General Hospital for over 20 years. After retirement, she helped found “A Change of Pace” Alzheimer’s Daycare facility in Sebring.
Ellen Spindler was active in the Ninety-Nines, often volunteering at Sebring airport’s EAA and Expo events. All recall her delightful recollections of flying and taking her young sons on various adventures. We will remember her for her sweetness, humor, willingness to help, and someone who would not let her condition at the end be a source of sadness for others. She passed her love of aviation to her sons, who are professional pilots.
The Florida Heartland 99s renamed its flight training scholarship to the Ellen Spindler Memorial Flight Training Scholarship in 2023.