William Spence Obituary

I am very sorry to hear about Bill. Bill & Jessie were the most wonderful friends of my parents and I have lots of terrific memories of visiting the family. May God watch over all the Spences.

Dear Spence Family,
I tried to put my mother's thoughts on line on April 10. But somehow the computer acted up and one time her name shown the other time was a r. Hopefully this message will get set correctly.
Mom would like to thank the friendship dad and her shared with Bill and Jessie. They helped the family out in difficult times.
They were there as a listening ear anytime.
Bill , Jessie, and Martha gave my husband a wonderful surprise birthday party at their home.
Bill will be missed but one day we will see him again. In the meantime my son, daughter, and husband that are now in heaven will have a wonderful time sharing each other's company.
Written on behalf of Jane Ryan by her daughter

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

R

Dear Jessie and family,
You know words can't express completely and fully the love I have for Bill (& Jessie too). I have always felt a part of the family whenever I've come home from the mission field. I loved watching both Bill & Jessie work together when having company over. Both have the gift of hospitality and have exercized that gift over and over again. What a team!! And what a blessing. I don't feel like Bill & Jessie were like parents, I feel like they're my brother and sister. Losing Bill means I've lost a dear big brother. That's how I was looked after; my older siblings were looking out for me all the time. That's Bill & Jessie. My heart aches that when I come home he won't be there, but I am am confident that we will see each other again in heaven. His love for the Lord and for missions has left a lasting mark on my heart. I love you Bill!

Dear Jessie,
Your husband treated me as one of the girls. He helped me purchase my two townhomes. He told me that him he wouldn't sell it to one of his daughters he wouldn't sell it to me.
Bill always made me welcome. On my birthdays he always asked what cake did i want and what ice cream. He went out of his way to be the best father figure he could after my father passed.
When we couldn't get out for church he would drop by the bulletins for us.
He enough took Jim on as son and that meant so much to me. I'm glad that he's in a complete new body and can explore all the interesting places in heaven. It is a honor to know your family and be a part of it. Thanks so much for taking all the Ryans into your family Don - Jane - Patrick - Mike - Diane - and Jim my husband.
At the funeral I was so impressed on how may people you and Bill came in contact to and stayed friends with. You both all truly special people and I'm glad I got to know you and your grandkids.
Love Diane Ryan Carpenter

Dear Jessie,Martha,Danille,
Thanks so much for making me as part of your family for the pass 35 years as a Ryan. Now that I am married that's for the additonal 7 years and continual to share as a Carpenter.
Bill was special to as real estate agent in helping me purchase 2 homes. He was there in my wedding party and then brought Jim into the family unit. Jim loved to be around Bill he enjoyed the friendship they were developing. I remember when Jim had his birthday Bill and Jessie would give him coupons to redeem for pizza nights , pool nights and white fence farm meals. This was because Jim was on call with his job at the county for snow removal and his birhtday was Dec 26.
Jim and I will miss Bill alot.
Love you all the Carpenters
JIM and DJ

Dear Jessie,Mildred,Melody, and Martha,
Danille,Tory,Nick,Alex,Brian,Emily,
Thanks so much for letting me into your extended family. I've been a part of your lives for over 42 years. Pops or Granpas was so wonderful to me. Taking me on as a adopted kid. We celebrated birthdays together and I will alway remember the thoughtfulness of making sure ever birthday mattered. Taking me to White Fence Fence , Midevil Time eating food with our hands.Remember that you even like my dad have a surprise birthday at the Glen Ellyn home. Martha picked him up blindfolded him and took him to the Taylor house. Bill even invited my husband over for pizza and pool with the guys. He will be missed .One day I will see him again with my brother, sister and father in heaven. Thanks so much for sharing Bill with me.
Love
DEEG

March 27, 2010

Dear Jessie and Family,
We were saddened to learn today of Bill's homegoing. We go back many years and remember well our meeting at church and the excitement of meeting someone from Roanoke, Va. And what an additional surprise to learn that we were neighbors in Syracuse. What a help it was to have someone share our homesickness as we adjusted to our new home. It's been a joy to keep in touch through these years and how we enjoyed our time visiting you in your home in 1997. What a great host and hostess you were.

We have many fond memories and our lives have been blessed to know you and Bill and your family. You will all be in our prayers in the days ahead.
Our love to all - John & Bettie Hale
Roanoke, Va.

Dear Jesse and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bill's homegoing. He was a great friend, family man and Christian leader. We have many wonderful memories of the good times singing and working together in the past. Our prayers will be with you in the days ahead.
Love, Bob and Lou Hirons

This letter was written on March 13, 2010

Dad, you achieved much in this life. You had a difficult childhood. I (Mildred) am named for the mother you lost when you were seven years old. You said that when the bus driver dropped you off at Drew University, he knew you were a farm boy by your haircut. You joined the Navy and put yourself through college. You rose through the ranks by your hard work at the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, and after you retired, you studied and launched a new and successful career in real estate. All through the years you remained a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and an active participating member of your local Christian and Missionary Alliance congregation. You were a man of integrity such as we rarely see these days.

I want to mention your grandchildren. You supported and loved each one for their unique talents and interests and a little of you lives in each one of them. They are - in birth order - Konrad, Emily, Bryan, Danielle, Abby, Alex, Nick and Tori. The next generation, the great-grandsons Nate and Tony, also remember you with love.

Mom, I pray that God will comfort you as you adjust to life without your best friend and husband of 63 ½ years. I know that he is with you in your heart.

Dad, rest in peace. I hope there will be events for you to plan in heaven.

Love, Mil

I will always remember Grandpa Spence’s strong faith and his generosity. When I visited Grandma and Grandpa in their town home last fall, I had to catch an early morning flight at the end of my visit. Even though it was a rushed morning, Grandpa paused to pray that I’d have a safe trip home before he drove me to the airport. This experience reminded me how central prayer was to Grandpa’s life. Grandpa showed his generosity through small acts of kindness. For example, I remember how he would get up early in the morning to turn on the oven to make cinnamon rolls so that Grandma could have a few more minutes of sleep. Grandpa’s simple acts of kindness have left an everlasting impression on my heart.

Always with an open heart...Always with an open mind...Always Loving...Always caring...Always with an extra place at the table...Always with an extra bed...Always with a warm fire...Always with a listening ear...Always and forever Grandpa. Love, Konrad, Lori, Nate, and Tony Isch

We loved Bill so deeply and for many years. Bill was a man of God that loved Christ with all his heart. He and his wife Jessie were supportive of every ministry the Lombard Bible Church ever had and threw his influence and talents
behind every pastor and Sunday School teacher. Bill and Jessie financially supported many missionaries with and outside the Christian & Missionary Alliance. Bill and his wife regularly invited people into their home for delicious meals that had taken much love and planning. I recall a period of time when Bill volunteered to stand at
the pulpit of our church and sang hymns
out of the hymnal that had long been forgotten by most. What a man,that Jessie married! Bill and Jessie opened their home for our mid-week home church services for a period of time. There was always a place found for everyone to sit, even if it was on the floor. I personally sat on the floor several times because all the chairs were filled. Words can't express our love and admiration for dear Bill. We'll miss him for awhile, but we'll also join him in awhile. Please pray for his wife, Jessie, who remains with us in this life. We love her so much, too.

Dear Jesse,

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Bill was a great guy and we always enjoyed visiting with him. Our prayers are with you.

Dear Jesse and Family,

We are deeply sorry for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather.

Bill was a good neighbor and friend, and we will miss him.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Hank and Elise

Bill and Jesse were an important part of our lives at LBC. Their friendliness and openness where great examples.