Jill E. Spelman, age 84 of Durand, IL, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Medina Nursing Center. She was born August 27, 1941 in Beloit, WI; the daughter of the late Melvin and Helen (Dibbert) Linney. She attended Beloit Catholic High School. Jill married Thomas Spelman on August 22, 1964; he passed on August 18, 2011.

She worked in inside sales and advertising for Rock Valley Community Press, the Durand Gazette, and the Durand Volunteer. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. She was also a member of the Durand Golden Girls and the Durand Fire Dept. Auxiliary. Jill also served as an election poll judge for many years.

She loved polka dancing, making frequent visits to Turner Hall. She also enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre. Jill was a social butterfly who never met a person she did not like. She had the gift of finding the good in everyone. Most of all she was a proud mother to her children. She will be remembered for her love of life. She lived her life with grace, dignity and resilience even when life got tough.

Jill is survived by her son, Patrick (Kelli) Spelman of Durand; daughters, Amy (Brad Bainter) Spelman of Macomb, IL and Jody (Troy) Evans of Lake Orion, MI; grandchildren, Breslyn, Chelsea, Dustin, Trent, and Torie; sister-in-law, Rosemary Linney; and brother-in-law, James Spelman. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas; and brother, Jack.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand, IL with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date. A memorial fund has been established for Linda’s Fund. The family is being assisted by the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home of Dakota, IL. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.