BENTON – Dr. Donna Sebastian Spencer of Benton, IL, died on July 14, 2025, after a prolonged illness caused by cancer.
She was born on February 28, 1957, in Sharon, PA, the daughter of Donald Sebastian and Carolynn (Nickle) Sebastian. She married Dr. David Keith Spencer on June 2, 1984.
She graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame and received her Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University before working as an optometrist in Benton and McLeansboro.
Her greatest joy was using her talents to serve her church, St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton. She considered cantoring at Mass with her husband, David, a great privilege. She spent many years teaching high school youth formation classes, followed by teaching the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) class for the past 10 years. She also enjoyed traveling and gardening but loved visiting her grandchildren more than anything.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. David Spencer; three children: Dr. Katie Krause (Dr. Kenny), Dr. Jenna McGoldrick (Zach), and Dr. Michael Spencer (Kaci); ten grandchildren (Camille, Colin, Charlie, and Cecilia Krause; Leo, Finn, and Molly McGoldrick; and Luka, Noah, and Brady Spencer); two sisters, Laurie Koval (Bob) and Linda Collins (Bob); three brothers-in-law, Dennis (Kim), Craig (Suzanne), and Duane (Kelly) Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donna was preceded in death by her father and mother, Donald and Carolynn “Lynn” Sebastian; her father-in-law, Russell Spencer; her brother, Don Sebastian; and her infant son.
Visitation services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Anne Cradle of Hope and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Dr. Donna Spencer, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
