Connie Rae Spitzner, age 72, of Clay City, Illinois, passed
away Friday, April 11, 2025, at her home. She was born November 4, 1952, in Vandalia, the daughter of
Samuel P. and Mary R. (Sloan) Patridge. She married Michael W. Spitzner on
March 24, 1968, at Mt. Zion Church. Connie had worked for Country Companies Insurance in both
Clay City and Flora, and later served customers at Casey’s General Store in
Clay City. She loved the excitement of horse racing—particularly harness
racing—and was a proud supporter of Alabama football. An avid sports fan, she
passionately followed both professional and college teams, especially cheering
on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Fighting Illini. Connie enjoyed traveling
and visiting Gulf Shores, but could also find happiness in the quiet times she
spent fishing with Mike. In recent years she treasured the time spent with her
great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband: Mike Spitzner of Clay City;
2 sons: Michael “Mick” W. Spitzner and wife Leslie of Flora and Steven R.
Spitzner and wife Lesli of Clay City; 6 grandchildren: Eric Spitzner and wife
Megan, Mason Spitzner and wife Marissa, Peyton Stammer and husband Jakob, Paige
Klingler and husband Joe, Dakota Spitzner and fiancé Josey, and Carter
Spitzner; 9 great-grandchildren: Caroline Spitzner, Cassidy Spitzner, Sadie
Spitzner, Sophie Spitzner, Luke Spitzner, Nathaniel Stammer, Gabriel Stammer,
Myles Klingler, and Grady Klingler; a brother: Dan Patridge; a sister: Kathy
Padgett and husband Pat; a sister-in-law: Joan Pearce and husband Bill; and
several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in passing by her parents; sisters-in-law:
Mary E. Patridge and Betty Brown; and brothers-in-law: Bill, John, Melvin and
Charlie Spitzner. A visitation will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. on Thursday,
April 17, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. A Celebration of
Life Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Bryce
Henry officiating. Burial will take place later in Clay City Cemetery.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Clay City Volunteer Fire Department or
the St. Louis Children’s Hospital NICU, and these will be accepted at the
funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com