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Obituary
Ann Leeds (Spellman) Liesman, 77, of
Lincoln passed away on November 24, 2023. She was
born on October 8, 1946, in Evanston, to the late
Edward and Doris Spellman.
Ann was a strong, outspoken, and independent woman
who dedicated her life to caring for animals
including dogs, cats, and horses. Her love for
horses began at age three, with annual family trips
to a dude ranch in Colorado. She later went on to
become the Illinois Quarter Horse Association state
champion owner/rider for three consecutive years.
Ann's passion for horses led her to run a boarding
stable on her farm north of Lincoln for over 50
years, where she trained many people to ride and
care for their horses and bred champion Quarter
Horses.
In addition to her successful career with horses and
her boarding stable, Ann also worked as a title
clerk and bookkeeper. She was known for her horse
sense. She helped many people with horse-related
questions and issues over the years, sharing her
knowledge and experience.
Ann graduated from Lincoln Community High School and
attended Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO.
She valued knowledge and was always eager to learn
and grow.
Ann leaves behind her beloved schnauzers Fritz and
Gus, her son, Mike Davis, and his wife, Bethe, of
Fairbanks, AK., as well as her grandson, Gavin
Davis, of Everett, WA, and her granddaughter, Elora
Davis and her husband Ian Butcher, in Albuquerque,
NM. She is also survived by her brothers, John
Spellman of Phoenix, AZ, Henry Spellman and his wife
Lynn, and James Spellman, all of Lincoln, IL.
A celebration of life will be planned for next
spring. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly
requests that donations be made in Ann’s memory to
the Humane Society of Logan County. Contributions
can be made online at
https://www.hslclincoln.org/donate.
Ann or “Annie” may best be remembered
for her sense of humor and storytelling, and how
much fun she was to be around. She drew people to
her and had a way of making everyone feel at ease.
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She very much enjoyed a good argument. Her
eyes would light up and she would cackle with delight to get
someone’s goat.
Ann was very creative and imaginative. She
enjoyed many artistic endeavors and was known for her
beautiful handmade cards, painted wood art and glassware,
and gallery glass to name just a few of her talents. She
also taught many of these skills to others.
She will also be remembered for her unwavering love of
animals, especially her dedication and passion for horses.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. |
