Rita Spencer
Gillespie | Save
Rita Mae Spencer, 88, of Gillespie, IL, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 12, 2025. She was a resident of High Point Assisted Living in Carlinville where she passed.
Rita Mae Wheeler was born September 30, 1937, in Litchfield, IL to Earl Wheeler & Grace Thompson. Grace married Braden Moore after Earl had left the family.
On December 19, 1959, Rita married Richard Spencer in Gillespie, IL. Richard passed away on July 15, 2022.
Rita is survived by her five sons, Rick (Penny) of Gillespie, IL, Rodney (Heidi) of Troy, IL, Roger of Springfield, IL, Richard of Shiloh, IL, Randy of Gillespie, IL, brother, Terry (Bev) Moore of Gillespie, IL, sister in law, Loretta Wheeler of Carlinville, IL, grandchildren, Ryan, Miranda, Nicholas, Jarod, Justin, Camden, Kylan, great-grandchildren, Lilly, Ryan Dale and Troy. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, brothers, Randy, Carl and her sister, Gloria.
Rita was very passionate about singing and began participating in singing competitions as a soloist in 6th grade. Rita won almost all the singing competitions that she participated in. Rita graduated from Gillespie High School in 1955. After graduation, Rita worked 5 years for the State of IL before marrying Richard Spencer and starting a family on the farm. Rita sang in the church choir for many years.
Rita loved bowling and won many competitions locally at the S & S Bowl and at the State level through the Illinois Farm Bureau. Rita has the trophies and patches to prove it. Rita also played softball and was very supportive of all her boys' sports interests. She never missed a game that her boys or grandchildren played.
Rita enjoyed working around the farm, gardening, canning, cooking, anything outdoors and best of all loved her family. Rita was the most loving, caring and strongest individual we knew. She always put everyone else's needs before her own. Rita is a saint and has a very special place in heaven after raising five boys, six if you include her husband, Richard. Rita was very proud of her boys, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rita never met a stranger. She will be missed dearly.
Friends may call on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Gillespie Methodist Church from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Funeral services are Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 12:00 pm at the Gillespie Methodist Church. Burial will be at Wheeler Cemetery, Gillespie, IL. Memorials are suggested to Donor's Choice or Gillespie Methodist Church.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
Kravanya Funeral Home
