Wayne County Press
Fairfield Illinois
Thursday, Sept. 12, 1985
Page 2

Known as "Mrs. Republican" in Wayne County for more than 50 years, Mrs. John W. (Grace) Spence, 86, died Monday night Sept. 9, 1985, at her home near Geff.

Death came at 9 p.m., ending a prolonged period of declining health.  Hospitalized since June 14, Mrs. Spence had returned home for 11 days. She suffered from a combination of kidney and heart problems.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon (today) at Nale's Funeral Home with Rev. Fred White former pastor of the Geff United Methodist church, delivering the sermon, assisted by Rev. Brad Henson and Rev. E. R. Adams. Long-time friend and political associate. Hon. James B. Wham, attorney from Centralia, delivered the eulogy. Burial was in Maple Hill Cemetery.

As wife of the late John W. Spence long-time Republican Party leader in Illinois and in Wayne County, Mrs. Spence established herself as his chief supporter and right arm.

Born Jan. 12, 1899, to Milton and Minnie George Deem, Mrs. Spence grew up in the Geff community and lived in the same spot her entire life.

After accidentally meeting John when the car she was driving got stuck in a mud hole near Rinard, she and he were united in marriage Oct. 11, 1919, and spent the next 56 years together.

To this couple, a daughter, Margaret, wife of Charles Thacker, was born.
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A member of the Geff United Methodist Church for more than 70 years, Mrs. Spence was active in many community affairs such as working for the Tuberculosis Foundation, American Cancer Society, Heart Fund, and blood drives.

In addition she was affiliated with the Order of Eastern Star more than 60 years, serving as past matron at one time, was past district president of the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs, and was a charter member of the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Mrs. Spence was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and her husband.

Surviving are her daughter, Margaret, her son-in-law, Charles Thacker who played the role of a devoted son in her life, and a brother, George Deem, of Geff