Spelly, as she is known by her friends, earned her Bachelor of Science in OT in 1951, her Master's Degree in 1959 from Western Michigan University and her PhD from the Department of Medical Care Organization, University of Michigan in 1981. She is a retired Colonel, member of the U.S. Army Reserves, who also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves between 1943 and 1945. Until her retirement, she served as Head of the Department of Associated Health Professions at Eastern Michigan University where she remains Professor Emerita in the Occupational Therapy program. She has been active in her profession at state and national levels. She has been honored as a Life Member of the Huron District Occupational Therapy Association (Michigan), received the Distinguished Service Award, Honorary Life Member and Fellow of the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association. She was named Fellow of the AOTA and was awarded the AOTA Award of Merit. Spelly is also a Life Member of the Board of Directors of AOTF. In retirement, she continues her community service with the Livingston County Genealogical Society, serving on and chairing various committees.