Mary Eileen Spoden of Watkins died Friday, April 9, 2004, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. She was 81. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins with Rev. John Brunner and Rev. Michael Becker officiating. Interment followed in the parish cemetery. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and 8-10 a.m. Wednesday at the Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins. Senior Citizens prayed the rosary at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by parish prayers at 6 p.m. and Legion/VFW Auxiliary prayers at 7 p.m. Mary Eileen Spoden was born June 13, 1922, in Watkins to Fred W. and Nellie (McCarney) Becker. She grew up in Watkins and graduated from St. Benedict College in St. Joseph. Mary Eileen was united in marriage to Rolly Conley in 1946; he preceded her in death. On May 16, 1970, she was united in marriage to Arthur Spoden; he also preceded her in death. During World War II Mary Eileen was employed by the National Security Agency in Virginia. She owned a hotel in Melbourne, Fla. In 1964 she moved back to Minnesota. Mary Eileen was employed at Dairy Craft in Holdingford and the Watkins Creamery for a short time. She then worked for more than 25 years as a bookkeeper at Theis-Arnold Chevrolet until she retired in September 2002. Mary Eileen was was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins and was active with the Council of Catholic Women. She was a member of the Watkins Senior Citizens and the Watkins Legion and VFW Auxiliaries. She was also a member of the Meeker County Historical Society, the Watkins Theater Group, the Retired Senior Volunteer People, and a board member of the St. Anthony Manor/Area Homes. Mary Eileen served 25 years as Watkins city councilperson and was a Centennial co-chair. She was a former girl scout leader, and she enjoyed bowling and golfing. Mary Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Rolly Conley and Arthur Spoden; brother Fred Becker, Jr.; sister Rosemary Werner and infant sister Mary Louise Becker. She is survived by her son Robert (and Janice) Conley of Watkins; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; brother Michael (and Karen) Becker of St. Cloud; many nieces and nephews. Casket bearers were Jerry Kelly, David Mauer, Pete Werner, Paul Werner, Philip Werner and Danny Becker. Honorary casket bearers were former members of the Watkins Girl Scouts and members of the bowling team.
