Ione N. Schaefer Wilson

Ione N. Schaefer Wilson, beloved mother, sister, aunt and grandmother, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2012, in Fayetteville, Ark. She was born on March 26, 1917, in Emporia, Kan., to George E. and Martha Mount Schaefer. Ione had just celebrated her 95th birthday. Ione attended Newman School of Nursing and earned her degree as a registered nurse. In November 1940, she joined the U.S. Army Corps of Nurses where she served during World War II stationed at Fort Sill, Okla. It was during this time that she met and married the love-of-her-life, O.L. Wilson. They were married Aug. 7, 1942, at Fort Sill Chapel. After the death of O.L. in 1961, she was employed as an RN for the VA Hospital from 1961-1967. She raised their three daughters alone with grace and has their undying love and admiration. Through her example, she has left a legacy they can pass on to their children and grandchildren. Ione was a charter member of Trinity Methodist Church in Fayetteville, a member of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville since 1950, United Methodist Women member since 1953, and a member of Rural Builders – Son's Chapel since 1966. Ione was an avid gardener, and was a charter member of Flaming Hills Garden Club. Her gardens will always be a favorite memory to her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, Henry and Marion Schaefer; one sister, Fern Schaefer; and one granddaughter, Margaret Mills. She is survived by three daughters, Nancy Robertson of Mesquite, Texas, Lynda Andrews (Frank) of Crowley, Texas, Carol Mills (John) of Farmington, Ark.; one brother, Roy Schaefer of Emporia, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Lee Anne Mills (Jim) of Bentonville, Ark., Gene Moore of Crowley, Texas, Karen Nelson of Garland, Texas, Emily Roan (Ronnie) of Lubbock, Texas, Lindsay Burrough (David) of Carrollton, Texas, Whitney Connaughton (Patrick) of Bryan, Texas, Hannah and Maddy Mills of Fayetteville, Ark.; and eight great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Moore of Hillsboro, Texas, Lexi Nelson of Garland, Texas, Sam and Kate Mills of Bentonville, Ark., Mackenzie and Bryce Roan of Lubbock, Texas, Kate and Jack Connaughton of Bryan, Texas. Graveside funeral services will be 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25th, at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville with the Rev. J. Anthony Holifield officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Son's Chapel Rural Builders Association, 2700 N. Brookbury Crossing, Fayetteville, AR 72703. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville.