Claudia "Jeanne" (Spencer) Salyers

Claudia “Jeanne” Salyers, simply known to her family and friends as Jeanne, was born on March 28, 1949, in Harrison, Arkansas. Jeanne passed away at her home in Leland, Illinois, on Friday, January 31, 2020. Jeanne had been a cancer survivor for thirty-eight years.

Jeanne was the daughter of Claude and Mildred (Dickey) Spencer, and grew up in the small village of Elvaston, Illinois. Jeanne attended grade school in Elvaston, then graduated from Hamilton High School in 1967. Jeanne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elvaston, where she taught Sunday School and VBS. Jeanne married Gary Salyers, her husband of fifty-two years, on June 3, 1967, in Kahoka, Missouri. On April 25, 1968, their first daughter Jeannie Lynn was born, and on June 12, 1974, their daughter Kelly Elaine was born. Kelly passed away from cancer on August 10, 2009.

Jeanne lived in several other places but her home was always Hamilton. Jeanne retired from Walmart in 2018 after serving nineteen years. Jeanne enjoyed spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She researched family genealogy (as she loved family) and she liked to travel. Jeanne loved country music and was a fan of Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley. She recently developed a “FUN” love for flamingos. She had a terrific eye for decorating, loved arts and crafts and was a talented artist.

Jeanne is survived by her husband Gary Salyers of Leland, Illinois; her daughter Jeannie Lynn (Brad) Gilpin Keokuk, Iowa; two sisters: Kerrie “Lynnette” (Sean) Beisel of Kansas City, Missouri, and Judith “Judy” Lawrence of Warsaw, Illinois; her brother Kevin Spencer of Rochelle, Illinois; her Iowa “grand beauty” (grandchild) Kaylee Gilpin and her Indiana “grand beauties” (grandchildren) Brittin, Brooke and “Sugar Boy” Sean Hoekema. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Kelly Elaine Hoekema, and her brother Robert Charles Spencer.

Jeanne’s life will be celebrated with a graveside service at 12:30 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. Visitation will be held from 10 am to noon at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton on Saturday directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Elvaston Community Church or HUGS of Hancock County.

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