ST. LOUIS/CHRISTOPHER – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Betty Jean (Leming) Spruell, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the age of 99, in St. Louis, MO.
She was born on December 3, 1925, in Christopher, IL, to Harry and Helen (Booher) Leming. She grew up and lived her entire life there until moving to St. Louis in 2017. She was a dedicated and loving wife to her late husband, Charlie Spruell. He preceded her in death on April 18, 2002. She was a devoted mother to her children, Denise Bovyn of St. Louis, MO, David and Mary Anne Spruell of Columbia, IL, and Becky and Randy Gilbert of Mulkeytown, IL. She was also a loving grandmother to her 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Faye Smith, of Gulfport, MS; her sisters-in-law, Lou Leming, of Christopher; Margaret Hoerler and Jean Spruell, both of McLeansboro, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
All of her family will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Susan; sons, Michael and Jeffrey; granddaughter, Jennifer Jo (Gilbert) Preuss; and brother, Harry “Bud” Leming.
After graduating high school, she moved to St. Louis and became a real-life “Rosie the Riveter,” working on a secret project to assemble parts on a submarine. Betty was an avid bowler and reader. She enjoyed antiques, garage sales, and going to auctions with family and friends. She could cuss better than any sailor. In her later years, she was an avid watcher of HGTV and knew before going to commercial what the problem was – mold. There was nothing she loved more than being a host for gatherings. She especially loved making Christmas magical and baking thousands of cookies for all to enjoy. More than anything, she made us all feel so special and loved.
Rest in peace, dear Mom-Nan. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.
Funeral services will be on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Pastor Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery.
The family requests that donations be made to St. Andrews Cemetery Fund in memory of Betty Spruell. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
