MONROE - Mara Lee Speich, age 85, of Monroe, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Monroe Clinic Hospital. She was born on December 25, 1939, in Albany, the daughter of Viola (Spinhirne) Kildow and Jay Kildow.

Mara graduated from Albany High School in 1957.  She was united in marriage to Rodney A. Speich in 1985. Over the years, she worked as a bartender, housecleaner, and helped to manage Turner Hall in Monroe.

Mara is survived by her daughter, Kelly Gildner; sister, Peggy Maveus; aunt, Marge Parmer; nieces, Barb Combs and Marie Halverson; grandson, Ben (Tammy); granddaughters, Justine (Adam) and Hannah (Tye). She was preceded in death by her mother, Viola; father, Jay Kildow; husband, Rodney; son, David Bergum; and daughter, Debby Bergum.

A Mom is The Place On Earth We first Called Home … 

Your mom, whether she is here with you, there with someone else, or in

 your heart until you "are once again beside her". Mothers are given the grandest of

 earth's blessings-raising children.  

Thank-you Mom.

We have loved each other madly and lovingly, Kelly