Karen E. Vallandingham Spangler
September 10, 1952 – January 25, 2026
Karen Vallandingham Spangler of Newport News, VA, passed away on January 25, 2026.
She was born at Camp Lejeune, NC, on September 10, 1952. She was 73 years old.
Karen loved music, art, and good food. She often spoke of her faith in God and how much she just wanted to be a good person. Karen had instant recall on many hits from the ‘60s and especially loved the Beatles.
Throughout her life, she battled mental illness. While her illness defined much of her daily struggle, she had the capacity to be kind and loving.
She is survived by two sisters, Debbie Rivoire of White Sulphur Springs, WV, and Lisa Vallandingham of Williamsburg, VA. She is also survived by two brothers, Tim Vallandingham of White Sulphur Springs, WV, and Dan Vallandingham (Charlene) of Richmond, VA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Jeanie Vallandingham; and her oldest brother, Ed Vallandingham.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Transcend Mental Health Home for Adults in Newport News, VA, who have faithfully and lovingly cared for Karen since 2012.
A graveside service is being planned for the spring in her home state of West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness.
