This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: MIDGETT, DICKEY, SPENCER, SALYERS, LAWRENCE, WATSON, RICKER, USHER, KEAY Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lNB.2ACI/4025 Message Board Post: Mildred Spencer, 78, a long time resident of Elvaston, IL, died Friday, July 22, 2005 in the home of her daughter at Caledonia, MO. She was born January 30, 1927 in Irondale, MO, the daughter of Ray and Maude (Midgett) Dickey. January 26, 1946, she was married to Claude A. Spencer in Bismarck, MO. Seven children were born to this union. Claude preceded her in death on August 19, 1984. In 1950 they moved to Hamilton, IL from Jasper, Arkansas, and in 1957 purchased their home in Elvaston, where she resided until 2003 when failing health made it necessary to move her to her daughter's home. Mildred was a homemaker, however, worked occasionally outside the home. Her joy was being at home to raise her family. She loved to sit and visit with her neighbors and always had a cup of coffee and a cheerful greeting for anyone who stopped by. On November 25, 1979 she joined the Elvaston Presbyterian Church. Throughout the years she served as Deacon, Elder and session member, and was always happy to help out in church and community activities when called upon. She also served as the church custodian for twelve years. In 1979 she joined the TOPS Club in Carthage and was active in forming a fund raiser to save the old Elvaston School bell which is now on display outside the community building in Elvaston. She also crusaded in getting city water throughout the small village. She is survived by four daughters; Jeanne Salyers and husband Gary of Leland, IL; Judith Lawrence of Warsaw, IL; Doris Watson and husband John of Caledonia, MO, and Lynette Ricker of Gladstone, MO; two sons, Gary Spencer and wife Susan of Ft. Madison, Iowa, and Kevin Spencer of Mendota, IL; one sister, Lena Usher of Bismarck, MO; sixteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Robert Charles Spencer; a sister, Rosemary Keay; a brother, Raymond Dickey and a son-in-law, Keith Lawrence. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2005 in the Elvaston Presbyterian Church in Elvaston, IL with Pastor Ron Leonard officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, IL. Memorials in the name of Mildred Spencer have been established for the Elvaston Presbyterian Church or the Elvaston City Park. Lamporte Funeral Home, Hamilton, IL was in charge of arrangements. Independent Journal, Potosi, Mo, Thursday, August 4, 2005