Area Obituaries
Doris “Jeanne” (Sandlin) Spidel of Saint Francisville, Illinois was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 19, 2024. She was born on July 31, 1926, to Stanley and Raida (Easterday) Sandlin in Saint Francisville, Illinois. Jeanne had a younger sister Mary Nanette Bangert. She moved to Millstadt, Illinois, when she was seven years of age with her parents. Jeanne graduated from East Saint Louis with a business degree as well as graduated from Beauty College in 1946. Jeanne worked as a bookkeeper and beautician in Bowling Green, Kentucky, after graduating. She returned to Saint Francisville where she met Gerald Breen Spidel while attending “the little white church on the corner” Sand Barrens United Brethren Church. After three months, they knew they were meant for each other and married on November 16, 1946. Together they had two children, Cheryl Lynn (Spidel) Alka who was born in 1948, and Patrick Gerald who was born in 1949. During her life, she spent her time dedicated to her family and helping her husband farm. She enjoyed gardening, cooking for her family, and spending time with her grandchildren. On weekends, she would have her family over after spending long hours cooking large meals and many desserts. But most importantly, she loved her Lord. She was a member of the Billett United Methodist Church. She also loved going to her weekly bible studies. When she was no longer able to go to church, it did not stop her from worshiping her Lord. She faithfully watched Billy Graham, Jimmy Swaggart, Bill and Gloria Gaither, or anyone that preached the word of the Lord. Jeanne read her grandmother’s bible daily. She lived for her Lord every day and has now been called to her heavenly home. Jeanne was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Nanette Bangert, her husband Gerald, her son Patrick Gerald, and daughter Cheryl Lynn. Survivors include her four grandchildren, Bryan (Kristy) Alka of Lancaster, Illinois, Kristi (Matt) Schrader of Mount Carmel, Illinois, Serenity (Gage) Caudell of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Tanna (Derek) McCullough of Vincennes, Indiana; as well as six great-grandchildren, Daisy Schrader, Sam Schrader, Olivia Alka, Phoenix McCullough, Carson McCullough and Lyla Caudell, and they lovingly called her “Gigi”. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00pm Tuesday February 20, 2024 at the Emmons-Macey ; Steffey Funeral Home. Visitation will also be Tuesday from 1:00 until the service hour of 3:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Saint Francisville, Illinois. Memorial donations may be given to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.
