Lynda Loy Springfield Walters

Lynda Loy Springfield Walters, 70, of Siloam Springs, died quietly at her home on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2012, after struggling nobly with multiple sclerosis for nearly 35 years. Lynda was born in Siloam Springs on March 2, 1941, to Stewart and Maurine Springfield. She graduated summa cum laude from John Brown University in 1962, then moved to Dallas to take a job with Texas Instruments. It was there that she met Jim Walters, the man with whom she would make a loving marriage for more than 47 years. In 1969, Lynda returned to Siloam Springs, where she and Jim raised their two sons and have lived ever since. A lover of music and gifted musician, she played the organ for years at home, and even in the small country churches she and Jim would visit from time to time. For years and even in the last weeks of her life, a spot would be prepared for Lynda’s wheelchair at local restaurants, theaters, concerts, ballgames and more. There are few places in the Siloam Springs community where her irrepressible smile and bright presence will not be missed. Lynda is survived by her husband, Jim; son Scott and his wife, Ardelle, of Little Rock; son, Kirk, and his wife, Randi, of Hyattsville, Md.; grandchildren, Alden, Maia, Kate and Ellie; sister, Lanita Wright, and her husband, John, of Woodway, Wash.; sister-in-law, Yvonne Springfield of Rogers, Ark.; and nephews and nieces, Matthew Wright and John Wright of Seattle, Wash., Justin Springfield of Dallas, Texas, and Amanda Ferm of Rogers, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stewart and Maurine Springfield; and her brother, Stewart Springfield Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Dr. Jim and Lynda Walters Endowed Scholarship fund at John Brown University, 2000 W. University, Siloam Springs, AR 72761; or the New Life Ranch Camper Scholarship Fund, 160 New Life Ranch Drive, Colcord, OK 74338. A funeral service for Lynda will be held at the Cathedral of the Ozarks on the John Brown University campus at 10 a.m., Jan. 21, with private interment at Oak Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Administrative Dining Room in the Mabee Center. Lynda’s family extends their thanks to the good people of Circle of Life Hospice. Online tributes to the family may be made at www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home and Crematory of Rogers, Ark.