Ida Starkey Spears

Robert Kenneth Spears who died in 1991. She has two sons, Greg Spears (Rae), of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and Scott Spears (Molly), of Centerville, Ohio. Her grandchildren include Jason Spears (Randip), Victoria, BC, Canada, Erin Spears Ledford (Jeff) of New York City, and Kyle Spears (Rachael), of Kettering, Ohio. Her brother Roy Starkey resides in Westerville, Ohio. Ida’s early life was characterized by avid learning, service, and high achievement. She was a member of the Honor Society of Springfield High School, and a member of several music, drama, and church clubs. She had a warm, engaging personality that easily attracted friends and admirers in her varied interests in art, travel, couture, theater, and music. She loved to laugh and sing. In 1943, she married Robert Kenneth Spears, who worked in increasingly responsible positions at Schaefer’s Incorporated until his retirement. Within four years the couple gave birth to two children, Greg and Scott. After her sons graduated from The Ohio State University, she and Ken pursued their mutual interests in history and travel, visiting most states, several Canadian provinces, Great Britain, and the Virgin Islands. Whether the Atlantic or the Pacific, Ida loved the sea and seemed happiest when around it with her family.

Ida’s highly-developed social conscience ensured that values of fairness, justice, peace and respect for human rights were inculcated in her sons. Ida volunteered as a Gray Lady aide at Community Hospital in Springfield and for almost thirty years volunteered in the gift shop there. She also served as a reading tutor for underachieving students in Springfield City Schools. While she loved reading fiction, she was always tuned into the news, was conversant with world events and devoured the New York Times every Sunday. After Ken’s untimely death, Ida vigorously pursued her interests while living independently in her home in Springfield for another 20 years. She was the perfect “Grannie” to Jason, Erin, and Kyle and traveled frequently to visit her family and friends. She was kind, loving, generous, strong-willed, moral, funny, challenging, smart, and nice. She was the best mother and grandmother a child could have. She was a positive force in her world, touching many lives with her loving care and volunteer work. A private family grave-side service will be held. Those wishing to honor Ida are welcome to make a contribution to the Clark County Library, 201 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield, OH 45506, or to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. The family wishes to thank the staff of Oak Creek Terrace in Kettering, Ohio and Hospice of Dayton for providing excellent, loving care to Ida. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.