Mary Spees

LIMA - Mary Helen Gross Spees, 95, passed away peacefully in her home at 4:17 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Born January 14, 1930, to John D. and Clara Gross, Mary lived in Perry Township and then Country Club Hills for the past thirty-plus years. She made many friends, most of whom preceded her in death.

Mary was married to Harry J Spees (deceased) on December 5, 1948. They had two children, Michael Eugene (Linda) Spees and Linda Kaylene (deceased) Burtchin (Michael). Michael married Linda, and Linda married Michael. Both Michaels were Michael Eugene and in addition, both couples gave birth to a set of twins within a year of one another.

First grandchild and the joy of Harry and Mary's life is Shaun. After David (Michelle) and Stephen (Steffanie) Burtchin were added to the family, and thereafter Meghan (Nick) Mabe and Nicole (Stephen) Schmidt. Mary loved her grandchildren, which grew, married, and provided her with seven great-grandchildren.

The Spees' lived and worked on a farm in Perry Township for many years. There, Mary was a lifetime member of Perry United Church, where she served in numerous capacities over the years and was involved in building the current church in 1963. Her longest service was communion steward for over 30 years. The communion vessels used by the church today are those that were given by Harry and Mary over 50 years ago.

Mary was an active member in the VFW Auxiliary and loved going to Friday nights out at the VFW with friends and family. Mary worked at J.C. Penney in Lima in her early married years, left the workforce to raise her children, and then returned to the workforce later at Klay Supply and Steve Myers Service. She loved visiting with her customers, many of which became lifetime friends.

Mary will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She always reached out to help others, even if it was her time of need. Mary was waiting at the station for God's train, and HE has come and taken her home to glory and life everlasting.

Services will be held at the Perry Church of Faith, 3250 East Breese Road, Lima, 45806, on Thursday, June 19. 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church, with burial thereafter at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles-Laman Funeral Services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Perry Church of Faith and Interim Hospice of Lima. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.