Marilyn R Spence

Marilyn Rose (Harrell) Spence, 87, of East Peoria, passed away in Portage, Wisconsin, on Thursday, May 4, 2017.Marilyn was born on January 8, 1930, on a farm near Sullivan, Illinois, to Aaron and Dessie Harrell. She was one of eleven children. She graduated from Eastern University High School in Charleston, Illinois, in 1948. On October 9, 1948, Marilyn married the love of her life, John Spence of Charleston, IL, while John was in the Army. They lived in East Peoria, Illinois, beginning in 1950. John passed in 1997. In 2013, Marilyn moved to Morningside Independent Living in Washington, IL, until her health declined. Marilyn was a Sunday school teacher at Faith United Methodist Church in East Peoria for over 50 years and was very active in all church events until she moved. She was also active with East Peoria Women's Club. Marilyn was a beautiful seamstress in her day and would make bridesmaid dresses, wedding dresses and other beautiful clothes. She was a homemaker.Survivors include daughter, Cheryl Spence Carr (Steve) of Bessemer, MI; granddaughter, Erin (Cannon) Schmidgall (Chris) of Valparaiso, IN; great-grandson, Charles Schmidgall, and great-grandaughter, Jacy Schmidgall, both of Valparaiso, IN; sister, Audrey Ingram of Mahomet, IL; and brothers, Jack (Norma) Harrell of Casey, IL, and Gene (Mary) Harrell of Dallas, TX.She was preceded in death by her husband, John; sisters, Viola, Alice, Helen and Jane; and brothers, Pete, Art and Jimmy Dean.Marilyn was a wonderful loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria, with visitation one hour before services. Interment will follow at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria, IL. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at Remmert Funeral Home.The family wishes to thank ACC MedLink Transport and Fondulac Nursing Home for the wonderful care they gave Marilyn during her time with them. In lieu of flowers, suggested contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 2403 Springfield Road, East Peoria, IL; or the Pilot Club of Peoria, 1117 Greenfield, Peoria, IL 61614, for community projects.