Becky Lynn Spillane, 54, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2025, surrounded by family, after a valiant 6 1/2 year battle with cancer. She leaves behind a large circle of family and friends who will cling to the joyful memories they made with her until the very end and who will take solace in knowing she has found eternal peace. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may gather after 10 AM until the time of service. At Becky’s request, all are encouraged to wear apparel representing their favorite sports team. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Becky was born on September 3, 1970, to John and Mary Thill, and grew up in Potosi, WI, the second youngest of six children. She loved playing basketball, qualifying for state in the Knights of Columbus free throw contest. She graduated from Potosi High School and met Brian Spillane. They were married on October 9, 1993, at St. Francis de Sales, in Hazel Green, WI. They had two children, Austin and Ellie, who were the light of Becky’s world. She read to her children each night after work, no matter how tired she was, instilling in each a lifelong love of reading. She never missed a school activity if she could help it, and her kids kept her busy.

She worked as a dental assistant at Bierie Dental in Dubuque, IA, for over 22 years. Patients knew her welcoming smile from behind her mask. Her coworkers knew her as a reliable colleague and friend. Becky enjoyed skiing, golfing, and bowling. She was the better half of the couple in the couple’s bowling league. She was also an avid sports fan who rooted for all Wisconsin sports teams, although she also adopted her children’s college teams as her own. In later years, she embraced traveling, making memories with loved ones from the sandy beaches of Belize to the crystal lakes of Maine.

Becky is survived by her husband of 31 years, Brian; her children, Austin (Connor Petit) Spillane and Ellie (Dobson) Douglass; her mother, Mary Thill; her siblings, Tammy (Gary) Ames, Lonnie (Joan) Thill, Tom (Becky) Thill, Maury (Deb) Thill, and Mollie McDonald;  her brothers-in-law, Mike (Lori) Spillane and Greg (Sue) Spillane; many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and a devoted yellow labrador, Auggie.

She is preceded in death by her father, John Thill; her parents-in-law, Ron and Rose Spillane; and her brother-in-law, Dave Spillane.

The family would like to thank all of our friends and family who have provided so much love these past few years. It has truly been a reminder of the value of community. Special thanks to the caring and attentive oncology team at Grand River Medical Group, especially Dr. Mark Hermann, MD, and Tony Heiar, ARNP. O

nline condolences may be left for the family at  www.furlongfuneralchapel.com