Obituaries

Wilma "Willie" Jane Spies

Photo of Wilma "Willie" Jane Spies
Wilma "Willie" Jane Spies, 90, of Fayetteville, passed away April 6, 2016, surrounded by loving family, at Willard Walker Hospice Home. She was born March 4, 1926 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to Willard E. Oplinger and Mary (Hilgert) Oplinger. She was a retired Registered Nurse. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Mary Ellen Brown. Throughout her long life as one of America's "Greatest Generation," Willie's outward mildness was backed by an inner strength and determination that shall be sorely missed by all who knew her. "Personality, Light Laughter, and Twinkling Eyes..." was her description in the 1944 Wyomissing, Pa., senior yearbook. During WWII, she attended The Reading Hospital School of Nursing in the Cadet Nurse Program, becoming a respected O.R. nurse following her graduation in 1947. After moving to Fayetteville in 1956 and raising her children, Willie returned to nursing in the early 1970's; she eventually became the Nursing Education and In-Service Director at Washington Regional Medical Center in 1978. Willie was a great believer in her mother's favorite saying: "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." Former students recount her attention to detail and protocol, and remember her always wearing her white nursing cap and lab coat. They also recall her personal interest and investment in each of them as they progressed through her many continuing education and advanced medical technology courses. Willie's compassion for others shone, as she contributed many volunteer hours through the years, whether at the Community Polio Prevention Program, the U of A campus infirmary, or the Red Cross Bloodmobile. After retiring in 1991, she continued with the Volunteer Services at WRMC. Willie enjoyed an evening glass of sherry as she experimented with new culinary recipes, stopping often to call out the correct questions for the answer clues on "Jeopardy" with amazing accuracy in various categories. She had no patience for dust or dirt in her spotless home, and an endless adoration for the Blue Eyes and voice of Frank Sinatra; she detested raw oysters and spinach as much as she loved and cherished watching over her grandchildren as they grew into adulthood. She also grew African violets and enjoyed seeing her hummingbirds at the feeder. Willie was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville for almost fifty years. As Willie's family, we would like to express our deep gratitude to her special caregivers, who showed exceptional dedication and love for Willie in her latter years. Thank you all. She is survived by three children, Lisa M. Spies Swinford and husband, Kenneth of Jackson, Mo., Frederic Spies, Jr. and wife Jacki Tighe of Fayetteville, Ark., and Stephen C. Spies of Little Rock, Ark. She is also survived by two brothers, Gerald G. Oplinger, of Fairfax, Va., and Willard L. Oplinger of Rockville, MD; three grandchildren, Kristin Schweain, Emma Spies, and Julie Spies; three great-grandchildren, Stella, Callum, and Elliot; and seven caring nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Reading, Pa., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fayetteville Public Library, 401 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, Ark., 72701, reflective of Willie's passion for literature and reading. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.

Published April 10, 2016

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