Alice Louise (Lynch) Spears Ondrey, 88, died peacefully in the presence of her loving family on Jan. 9, 2024.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Resurrection Parish in Illiopolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at 11 a.m., also at the church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Illiopolis. Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family.
A native of Hillsboro, Mrs. Ondrey was the daughter of Harland and Pauline (Henneke) Lynch. Growing up on a farm, she carried the spirit of rural life into her later years, cultivating a legacy of hard work, dedication and familial warmth.
Moving to Decatur in her later years, Mrs. Ondrey completed her beautiful journey surrounded by friends and family who cherished every moment spent with her.
Mrs. Ondrey was first married and blessed with two children, Sherrie (Gary) Brown of Maroa, and Steve (Rodney) Ralston of Onalaska, WI. Upon her second marriage to M.D. “Chuck” Spears in July of 1966, her family flourished with the addition of four stepsons, James “Jim” (Sheryl) Spears of Auburn, David “Dave” (Barb) Spears of Chatham, Larry “Lonz” (Cyndi) Spears of Springfield and Tom (Lola) Spears of Nokomis. Mr. Spears died in 1982, leaving her with cherished memories of their life together.
In 1985, Mrs. Ondrey found love again with Norman P. Ondrey, adding Norman’s kids, Kelly (Michelle) Ondrey of Hillsboro and Deanna Ondrey of Witt, to the fold.
An active and joyful presence, Mrs. Ondrey thoroughly relished life, making numerous lifelong friends. She and Mr. Spears found success together in business, owning Fillmore Frozen Foods and the Spirit Pub, where her passion for pool shone brightly. Those games and championships were among the many highlights of her vibrant life.
Having moved to Decatur and eventually residing independently at Randall Residence, she continued to connect with others through her love for card games and other shared activities. A skilled crafter, she crocheted afghans for each of her children and grandchildren, weaving her love into every stitch. Her renowned chicken and noodles were the centerpiece of family gatherings, delicacies that will be remembered fondly.
Her memory will be cherished, and her spirit will live on through the many lives she touched with her grace, compassion and signature zest for life.
Mrs. Ondrey is survived by all her children, a testament to her unwavering role as a matriarch and provider of endless support. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and siblings, Louis “Corky” Lynch of Hillsboro, Ethel “Pud” (Earl) McKinney of Taylorville and Danny (Bobbi) Lynch of Casselberry, FL.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, brothers, Charles “Bake” Lynch and Arthur “Art” Lynch, and sister Gloria Drummond, one grandson and one great-grandson.
The family suggests memorials be made to St. Elizabeth Alter Society or Calvary Cemetery.
