Sharon Kay Speer

1951 - 2026

Sharon Kay (Mahe) Speer, 74, of Carthage, Illinois, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, Feb, 8, 2026, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, after having a major stroke the weekend before.

Sharon was born March 4, 1951, in Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois, to Orville and Helga (Zweig) Mahe of West Point, Illinois.

Sharon attended grade school In West Point and went on to graduate from high school in Bowen, Illinois. Sharon was a very hardworking and dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, farm wife and family supporter.

Sharon was united in marriage with David Speer in 1969 in Basco where they had, and raised their two sons on the family farm. Sharon then loved keeping all of her grandkids on the farm with her where they were spoiled to the fullest. After her divorce, Sharon moved to Carthage, where she enjoyed walking her dog, taking him for cruises and just adventuring all around town.

Sharon worked at Methode Electronics in Carthage for many years, until she retired. Then she worked in elder care, helping several people with whatever they needed, and even cleaning houses for years. Work was something that Sharon was not afraid of, and she could probably work most people under the table in a challenge.

Sharon was an avid bargain shopper and bartered for the best deal possible. She also was an antique collector and loved venturing to any kind of sale, auction and antique store to find treasures. She also loved attending local parades and celebrations, especially if there were free giveaways of any kind.

Sharon is survived by son Aaron (Denise) Speer and grandsons Cole and Caleb Speer, all of Basco; granddaughter Morgan (Austin) McDonald of Augusta, Illinois; grandson Logan (fiancée Emma Carmien) Speer of Basco; great-grandkids RayLee and Royce McDonald of Augusta; her beloved furry, best friend Benji; two sisters Karen Tournear of Springfield, Missouri, and Carrie Mahe of Sutter, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well.

Sharon was preceded in death by her son Eric Speer of Basco; her parents; and her German maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.

There will be a private family service at Printy Funeral Home, with burial at the Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to be made to the Hancock County Humane Society in Sharon's honor, which can be sent to or dropped off at Printy Funeral Home.