Mildred Spears' Obituary
Mildred Iona Spears, daughter of Herbert B. and Grace Elizabeth Stein Wood, was born June 23, 1917, in Peoria, Illinois. She departed this life Sunday, October 16, 2011, in St. John?s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, three months, and twenty-three days.
On November 26, 1942, she was united in marriage to Ballard Hughes Spears, and to this union one daughter and three sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ballard, on September 23, 1990; two sons, James Spears, and an infant, Robert Spears; a brother, Herbert; and a sister, Katherine.
Mildred is survived by a daughter, Karen Schoppl, and her husband, Konrad, of Lebanon, Missouri; a son, Michael Spears, of Fort Worth, Texas; a granddaughter, Lesley Von Bose, of Hurst, Texas; a brother, Freeman Wood, of Springfield, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, and graduated from Springfield, Illinois High School in the Class of 1935. After graduating, she worked for a time as a secretary, before she met and married, Ballard. Once she and Ballard were married, she became a devoted homemaker and loving mother to her husband and family. Later, after the children were in school, Mildred became a teacher?s assistant and worked for several years. The family continued to make their home in Illinois, until moving to Lebanon, Missouri, in 1974.
Mildred made her profession of faith early in her life and was a longtime active member of Highland Park Church of God in Lebanon. Throughout the years, she was involved in various phases of church work, including playing the piano, and had a deep and abiding love for her Lord and Savior.
In her spare time she enjoyed quilting, and playing the piano. She was a very cheerful person with a delightful sense of humor. She put her faith and family at the center of her life and enjoyed spending time with her children and granddaughter.
Mildred was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends.
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