I've actually installed and reinstalled WP twice with no success. But, I think I may have found a way around the problem. After spell checker is finished, it asks if I want to close spell check. I choose no, and spell check stays open, but with another place to close at the bottom of the screen. I click close at that point and it goes back to my document.
Not the most efficient, but better than freezing up, I guess.
Thanks for the responses.