Mary Ellen (M-E) Spirek (Ratajik)

Mary Ellen (M-E) (nee Ratajik) Spirek was born on February 19, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Walter A Ratajik and Eleanor E (nee Kestler) Ratajik. She passed away peacefully on Sunday June 21st, six days after her beloved husband Dick.  M-E is survived by her daughters Lisa (Sean) McCaleb and Lori (Kevin) Bayerle; and her loving grandchildren Myles McCaleb and Sara and Ryan Bayerle.  She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Louis Spirek Jr. (Dick) and her parents. M-E and Dick married in Chicago and raised their family in Arlington Heights, IL.  They owned and operated a Bicycle Shop in Arlington Heights called Bikes Plus.   M-E and Dick traveled by bicycle in many countries around the world.  They had a strong passion for adventure all their life. When they retired, they moved to Ridgway Colorado. They had 26 wonderful years in Ridgway.  They loved having their family come visit, especially their three grandchildren. M-E was a member of the Woman’s Club of Ouray County and was very active volunteering in her town and community.  M-E worked for Dennis Weaver in Ridgway. M-E and Dick founded the Second Chance second-hand store, part of the Second Chance Humane Society in Ridgway. M-E and Dick organized the annual Elk’s Club toy drive for the less fortunate. They had a passion for volunteering for the annual Women’s Club’s rummage sale and Ridgway Ski Swap. Their life in Colorado to them was paradise.  A celebration of life will be held for M-E and her husband Dick on July 18th  at 2:00 pm, Ouray Elks Club in Ouray, Colorado. Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.