Eleanor E. Spears Died Sept. 5, 2016

Eleanor E. Spears

Died Sept. 5, 2016

NORTHPORT - Eleanor Elizabeth Spears, 91, of Northport, retired from her earthly job and entered Heaven on September 5, 2016.

Born on April 28, 1925, in Petoskey MI, Eleanor was the oldest child of George and Mayme Steffel (d). Eleanor began her career as a people manager when her brothers –Richard Steffel (d), Tom Steffel (d), Jim Steffel and Ron Steffel, and her favorite sister, Mary Jean (Steffel) Lickfeldt joined the family. The George Steffel and Sons Dairy Farm was a life-long source of support, encouragement, learning and love.

After graduating from Petoskey High School in 1942 (Mom said the war caused shortages in the dating pool in her small town), Eleanor took on the world.

In 1953 she married Lloyd Spears. As a result, she set to perfecting her people management skills by raising her kids: Bob Spears, Jerry Spears, Jeanne (Spears) Maue, Dick Spears, Kathy (John) Priest, Brenda (Spears) Oldebekking, and Linda Spears.

A lifetime of hilarity, love and hard work ensued. For the most part a single parent, Mom was a force to be reckoned with. At a time when most mothers stayed at home, Mom started working outside the home as soon as at least one of her kids was responsible enough to carry out Mom’s orders while she was at work. She worked hard, we worked harder to make sure she didn’t shoot lightning bolts out of her eyes at us. We didn’t want to disappoint Mom.

In 1971, Mom continued practicing her people management skills by joining Northport Point’s family as a security guard, a position she held until 2013. Hers was the first face you saw as you entered the Point (if you didn’t have business there, she’d send you on your way!). She retired at the age of 89. She would want you all to know that she retired only because driving had become an issue for her. She was still quite capable of doing her job, and she enjoyed seeing all her friends and keeping up with their family news at the Point.

In addition to her kids, she is survived by the following grandchildren: Joshua (Julie) Spears, Robin Spears, Jerry Spears, Jonathan (Tara) Maue, Luke (Holly) Maue, Casey (Haven) Johnston, Sean Priest, Jessica (Tony) Jones, Erik Nielsen, Nicole (Joe) Ruthkowski, Ian Machir, and Dustin Machir.

Her great-grandchildren are, in order of appearance: Jacob Maue, Lennon Maue, Stella Maue, Denali Renwick, Charlie Spears, Wyatt Renwick, Danny Spears, Thea Eleanor Jones, Logan Maue and Benji Spears.

Her nieces and nephews are: Mike Lickfeldt, Mark (Jayna) Steffel, and Marcia (Dale) Hoch.

Visitation and rosary will be Friday, September 9 from 4-8 p.m. at Martinson Funeral Home, 115 N. St. Joseph St. Suttons Bay, MI. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church on Saturday, September 10 at 11 a.m. with internment at Leelanau Township Cemetery and luncheon to follow at the Northport Point Gun Club. Donations may be sent to the St. Gertrude Siding Restoration Fund, c/o Kathy Priest 2477 S. French Rd., Lake Leelanau, MI 49653. Cards for the family may be sent to 208 West Fifth Street (General Delivery), Northport, MI 49670.

Even though My Mom understood that we all grieve differently, she also believed that a good day’s work could cure almost anything. So, if you’re feeling her loss, do a little work. As Mom used to say, “It’s good for your soul!”

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