Willa Lee Spencer

Willa Lee (Otto) Spencer, 77 of Lindsay was born on December 8, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 15, 2021 after bravely enduring terminal cancer for more than a year.

She married Frank Spencer July 8, 1961 in Antlers, Oklahoma. He was the love of her life whom she cherished always, just as she did her late son Mark. Willa and Frank established their home in Lindsay where she was a resident for the next 60 years. They lovingly raised 5 children.

After Frank passed away tragically in 1993, her strength and courage inspired everyone who knew her. She began working as a caregiver for others who were homebound, providing immense comfort, and establishing cherished new friendships.

Willa loved her family, children and grandchildren deeply. She expressed her love for them literally every single day, often saying “I just love my family…can you stay a few more days?”

Willa had boundless positivity and was never known to complain. She never met a stranger, and was always seen with a smile. Her friends described her as “so much fun,” with an infectious smile and a contagious laugh. She was well known for her one liners, hilarious zingers and quick wit that entertained all, even during her last days.

Her favorite pastime was a good game of dominoes, especially “Shoot the Moon,” or cards, in particular the game “Nerts.” She also loved freshly popped popcorn and her coffee, occasionally spiked with Baileys.

If you knew Willa, you knew of her generosity and hospitality and were likely invited over for her famous tacos which she genuinely enjoyed making for anyone and everyone. While beloved for her welcoming warmth, one of her well known quips was “Fish and company stink after three days!”

She loved all things red, from roses to Cardinals. She loved flowers so much that a beautiful bouquet could bring her to tears. 

Her driving skills were less notable, having hit a telephone pole during her first driver’s test. She asked the instructor, “I guess we’re done?” to which he replied, “yes we are.”

Willa enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows, Columbo, Matlock, Murder She Wrote, and Walker Texas Ranger. Her German heritage also made her a great fan of polka music.

She valued the friendships she cultivated more than anything. But above all, she loved her God Jehovah. Willa was a lifelong Jehovah’s Witness who continually shared her faith with all who crossed her path.

Even as her health declined her attitude remained positive as she anticipated the resurrection reuniting her with loved ones.

“But thy dead live, their bodies will rise again. They that sleep in the earth will awake and shout for joy; for thy dew is a dew of sparking light, and the earth will bring those long dead to birth again.” - Isaiah 26:19

Her desire to remain at home to the end was made possible by the outstanding care she received from Loving Care Hospice and her family, including her granddaughter Falicia and youngest caregiver, 9-year-old great-granddaughter Braelyn.

Willa was truly a unique and wonderful person with more friends than she could count, all of whom are deeply saddened and will miss her profoundly.

Her survivors include her children Jimmy Spencer, Austin, TX; Vonda Puckett, Edmond, OK and her husband Philip; Pamela Tippett, Irving, TX and her husband Steven, and Cynthia Spencer, Hobart, OK. Her grandchildren include Falicia Ward, Krysta Owens, Zak Sukenis and wife Nicole, Broc Sukenis, Zachary Tippett and wife Angelica, and Kandis Tippett. Her great-grandchildren are Jaxson Taitano, Braelyn Ward, Zoey Owens, and Kennedy Sukenis.

Willa was preceded in death by her husband Frank and son Mark, both of Lindsay.

Visitation continues until 2:00 pm, Thursday April 22, 2021 at Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, OK.

All are invited to join the family in celebrating Willa’s life on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Memorial Service via Zoom Meeting ID: 846 8163 6344 Passcode: 121943

Burial will be in the Green Hill Cemetery under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, OK. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.winansfuneralhome.com

Casket Bearers
Jimmy Spencer, Zak Sukenis, Zach Tippett, Broc Sukenis, Jaxson Taitano, Todd Hinckley

Masks and social distancing will be expected at the services.

To obtain flowers from our area florists, please go to the top of our main page and click on “Resources” then click on “Local Florists”.