Bette Jean Spensley

Bette Jean Spensley obituary, Geneseo, IL

Bette Jean Spensley

Bette Spensley Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 16, 2025.
Bette Jean Spensley, 71, of Geneseo, passed away from complications of Parkinson's and a brief illness, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Woodridge Supportive Living - Geneseo. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Geneseo Chapel. Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate. A memorial visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., before the memorial service. Memorials may be directed to The Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL, 33126 or at www.parkinson.org.

Bette was born May 2, 1953, the daughter of Louis and Louise (Hoyer) Reitz, in Hazel Green, WI. Bette lived a life filled with love, community involvement, and cherished friendships. She graduated from Galena High School in 1971 and soon after, on July 10, 1971, married the love of her life, Curtis Spensley, in Galena, Illinois. Together, they built a life centered around family and their community. Bette was a dedicated co-owner of Spensley Insurance Agency, where her hard work and friendly demeanor were appreciated by all who knew her. Beyond her professional life, she served as a crossing guard for many years. She enjoyed card games, bowling, and especially cherished watching her grandchildren participate in their various activities. She was a member of the Geneseo Country View Women's League and a devoted member of a bi-weekly card club, where she built lasting friendships.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband Curtis Spensley of Geneseo; children, Kari Rink of Geneseo, Christopher (Kristin) Spensley of Eldridge, IA, and Joshua (Becky) Spensley of Geneseo, IL; grandchildren, Kaden Rink, Tannen Rink, Jeslen Rink, Carter Spensley, Ethan Spensley, Brandton Spensley, and Drew Spensley; and sisters, Kay Temperly of Galena, IL, and Lynn (Lee) Foecking of Florida.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Louise Reitz; brother, John Reitz; and sister, Shirley Einsweiler.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Vandemore Funeral Home - Geneseo

580 E Ogden Ave, Geneseo, IL 61254

Make a Donation
in Bette Spensley's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Bette's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Bette Spensley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Bette Spensley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?