Lois "Rita" Spence

She was born on November 23, 1935, in Fairfield, IA, the daughter of Charles and Lois Morrissey. Rita married Melvin Spence in 1959, in Carroll, IA. He preceded her in death, on April 19, 2001.

Rita graduated high school from St. Angela Academy in Carroll, IA and Viterbo College in La Crosse, WI. She went on to work as a teacher, which was her passion, and also owned and operated a daycare. Her heart and soul was all about serving the Lord and teaching the little ones. Rita enjoyed swimming and often shared stories of her time as a lifeguard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Spence; parents, Charles and Lois Morrissey; siblings, Fr. Charles Morrissey, Monica (Brodie) Coble, Mac Morrissey, Mike Morrissey, Joe Morrissey, Sr. Fran Morrissey, Sr. Jenny Morrissey, and Tom Morrissey; and sister-in-law, Mary Kay Morrissey.

Rita is survived by her siblings, Steve Morrissey, Sr. Mary Morrissey, Sr. Shirley Morrissey, and Veronica (Dick) Heun; sisters-in-law, Beverly, Jean, Kay and JoAnn Morrissey; sons, Tim (Marie) Spence, Scott (Jody) Spence, and Mark (Michelle) Spence; grandchildren, Ana (Ben) Harrison, Kathleen (Adam) Gubbels, Patricia (Jonathan) Kaiser, Courtney (Brandon) Howes, Jake (Ashley) Spence, Beth Spence, Jack (Bryanna) Spence, Hunter Spence, and Kennedy Spence; and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial: 9:00 am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, with Very Rev. Brian C. Alford, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.