Obituaries

Audrey J. Speer

October 21st, 1920 – January 11th, 2018

Audrey Speer, 97, of Macomb, formerly of Table Grove, died at 7:10 am, January 11 at Wesley Village Health Care Center in Macomb, IL.

She was born October 21, 1920 in Dahlgren, IL, the 2nd daughter of Robert W. and Noma Turner Rawls. She married Creel Speer on Aug. 23, 1941 in Bushnell. They were married 73 years at the time of Creel’s death in Oct. 2014 and over 60 of those years were in Table Grove.

Creel and Audrey have 4 children – all surviving – Carol (Doug) Baily of Macomb, Marilyn (Bob) Hurt of Dakota, MN, Tom (Sara) Speer of Gulf Breeze, FL, and Amy (Steve) Ruebush of Blandinsville, In addition there are 6 grandchildren: Sabrina Hurt (Chris) Morganton, NC, Quinton Baily (Katy) Chicago, Bronson Hurt Dakota, MN, Stephanie Brown (Matt) Mobile, AL, Elizabeth Oblinger (Mike) Coventry, CT and Alex Ruebush (Katie) Colchester, IL. and 5 great- grandchildren, Sadie Hanger, Evan Brown, Sara Beth Brown, Quinn Oblinger, and Miles Oblinger. She’s also survived by one sister-in-law, Dana Speer of Table Grove and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters, Lurene Twaddle and Magnolia Hageman, and a nephew, Stan Twaddle.

Audrey’s family moved from Dahlgren to Decatur to Evansville, IN and finally to Bushnell where Audrey graduated from high school with the class of ’38. She began playing the piano at age 6 and became quite accomplished performing with her sisters in a string trio. She attended Western “State” (now WIU) and began teaching school at the one room Sperry Rural School south of Bushnell where she taught grades K-8.

She always loved children and teaching and spent over 50 years teaching hundreds of area students to play the piano. She was an active member of the Table Grove Community Church where she and Creel became members in 1949. She played the organ there well into her 90th year of life and at one time di-rected the church choir as well as assisted with numerous chicken pie suppers and other church dinners. Music, baking, and family filled her life. She was a 60+ yr. member of Chapter C of the P.E.O. Sisterhood where she had served as chaplain and other offices. She played bridge with the Table Grove Fortnightly Club.

She loved to bake pies, make toffee and peanut brittle and entertain her grandchildren in the Speer swimming pool.

Upon moving to Wesley Village estates, she frequently played the piano for Vesper services and other events. She continued playing her piano in her Wesley apartment.

Her family and friends will celebrate her life with a visitation at 9:30 a.m. and a service at 11:00 am on Monday, January 15 at the Table Grove Community Church. Pastor Tim Lindsey will officiate. All who knew her are encouraged to attend. Burial will follow at Harris Cemetery in Table Grove. Memorials may be made to MDH Hospice and the Table Grove Community Church.

Condolences

January 11th, 2018

Creel and Audrey, pillars of the community. I have many fond memories of them at the grocery store. They were always so nice and helpful. Certainly they did a great job at rearing their four wonderful children. My thoughts and prayers are with all you Speer kids and extended families. Here was a real lady, one who will be sadly missed but fondly remembered. God bless you all. John & Sandy (Douglas) Bybee

January 12th, 2018

So Sorry for you loss,she was wonderful person

January 12th, 2018

So sorry to Hear of loss Carol.








she was a wonderful person and had a great life.
Jerry Curless

January 12th, 2018

Thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I'm sure you have many wonderful memories!

January 12th, 2018

Audrey had a wonderful life and was an asset to the community.

January 12th, 2018

Thinking of all of you, sending thoughts and prayers your way!Many fond memories of your family during our "growing-up" days

January 12th, 2018

Letty and Dennis Farr

January 12th, 2018

I am saddened to hear of Mrs.Speer's passing. As my teacher for piano from 3rd to 8th grades,I remember those years fondly. Her teaching helped me pass my music theory entrance exam at ISU!!
Carlyle Weber

January 12th, 2018

I will always be greatful for Mrs Speer's piano lessons and her patience when I didn't practice. I remember each Christmas, as she always gave us a piece of Christmas sheet music. Thinking of all of her family. Lynn Shields Bubb

January 13th, 2018

Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss. Jeanne Hopkins

January 13th, 2018

So sorry that Stan and I will not be able to attend Audrey’s memorial service. Her wonderful family is a testimony to her life. Love and hugs go out to you all!! 💗💗
Stan and Marybeth

January 13th, 2018

So sorry to hear of here passing. She lived a long and eventful life. She taught our daughter piano lessons for several years and did a good job of it.

January 13th, 2018

I have many wonderful memories of taking piano lessons from Mrs. Speer, and the group piano recitals we used to have with all her students. I am grateful for her musical encouragement and good humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Michael Shawgo

January 13th, 2018

Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time on your loss. Aubrey was quite a beautiful & classy lady leaving an eternal legacy to her family. Memories of her love of music & caring will live on through her children & those whose lives she touched.
Dora Ri as

January 13th, 2018

So sorry to hear of this great loss. She was a wonderful person. Hugs and prayers. Melinda and Chuck Barclay

January 13th, 2018

What a blessing to have Audrey on this earth for 97 years! Must admit though it's a sad time for me. So many fond memories of spending time at the piano with her. All positive words come to mind - so kind, encouraging, patient (as we all know) and caring. Regardless of our skill level, she was so proud of all of us - and we felt it. In return, I'm very proud to be a part of that legacy with so many students before and after me. To the family - thank you for sharing this wonderful lady. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.

Gary Shawgo

January 14th, 2018

So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. Please accept our sympathy and know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Bill and Susan Havel

January 14th, 2018

Our deepest sympathy.
Pat & Amy Burke

January 14th, 2018

Tom and Sara, Stephanie, and family. Just wanted you to know we are thinking of you all during this difficult time. With love and prayers, Steve and Sherrill Vance, Gulf Breeze

January 14th, 2018

So sorry for your loss.She was a wonderful lady. Paul and Vicki Remy

January 14th, 2018

Amy, and family. Sorry to hear of the loss of Audrey. Thinking about you all at this difficult time. Please accept our sympathy and condolences. Pamela and Michael Fife

January 14th, 2018

Our love ad prayers go out to all the family during your time of grieving together! God bless you all, Marsha & Al Garza, Gulf Breeze

January 14th, 2018

Audrey was one of the kindest people , along with her musical talent she shared with piano lessons to many of us. Mike Snedeker

January 14th, 2018

Audrey was one of the kindest people , along with her musical talent she shared with piano lessons to many of us. Mike Snedeker

January 15th, 2018

Sorry for your loss everybody.

she was such a nice Lady.

January 15th, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Your mother was such a lovely lady, and was so kind and patient when Rana took piano lessons. Extending our sincere sympathy, Gary & Cheryl (Cox) Matteson.

January 16th, 2018

Amy I’m so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family. With our sincere sympathy Dean & Debbie Ruebush

January 16th, 2018

Amy, I am sorry for your loss. My mom loved your parents
She spent a lot of time at the store and purchased much of her meat for the restaurant from there. I hope knowing so many people cared helps ease your pain. With deepest sympathy, TerryLynn

January 19th, 2018

My aunt was a true lady and very loving person she loved her family her community her church and her music. She's the last of the ralws girls, strong independent ladies. She was to me simply my aunt who I adored. Rest in peace my dear aunt Audrey love your niece Susan.