Condolence: To the family of Willie and Steve. We were saddened by the news of Willie's passing. Were so sorry we didn't even know she was sick. Your parents were both wonderful people and we always enjoyed spending time with them. We also enjoyed hearing about all of you, their wonderful family. You are in our thoughts and prayers .
Blessings,
John and Carolyn
Port Clinton, Ohio

Condolence: To Chris, Tim, & the family of Willie,
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful mother & father with us.
I first met your parents about 18 years ago when I took care of Steven in Hood River hospital's Cardiac Rehab program. This amazing supportive woman usually came with Steven in his 3 times per week sessions to therapy. She was always smiling, funny and positive. Over the years, as I got to know the Spenglers, Steven asked if I would consider riding his Norwegian Fjord stallion. I had the great honor to ride & travel with Steven, Willie & "Blikk" all over the Northwest, along with my father, Chuck Evans, we traveled to Libby, Montana to the NordicFest & International Fjord shows, Bend & other areas of Oregon & Washington. We also rode in the Portland Rose Festival Parade twice. Willie didn't know much about horses, but she sat in those stands all day, cheering us on, taking photographs, and helping us get ready. It was an amazing privilege & adventure with the Spenglers & their Wonderhorse, Mr Blikky! When Steven passed, the Spenglers passed Blikk along to me. Steven, Wilma & Blikk will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Willie was an amazing smart conversationalist; she loved to talk about virtually anything, and yes, if she didn't know about it, she would ask questions:)
Later, when I had my 2 sons, I asked for advice since she too had sons like me! She was never surprised at my "boy" stories & told plenty of her own stories with her boys!
She was a kind, loving, gentle but outgoing beautiful person, always smiling, always speaking kindly of others. I never saw her in a bad mood.
I was so impressed with her strength when Steven passed.
I never got to say goodbye in the end to Willie, but I am ok. I'd rather remember her and I know she would too for that lovely, vivacious, energetic, full of life and strength woman I knew.
Love you dearly, Willie; you and your family will forever hold a big place in my heart.
"They are not gone, those that live in the hearts of the ones they leave behind" ~Native American saying

Condolence: Dearest Willie:

Wherever you are I want to thank you for being such a beautiful friend and confidant for so many years. It is hard to believe you are gone and I am saddened to know that I can’t call you to share a joy or something absurd so I can hear your laughter and listen to your entertaining comments. I will always remember your wise advice and your encouragement. I hope to see you on the other side. Love from Carole

Condolence: So find a place
where we can meet,
with kindness all around.
And there my friend,
I'll look for you
with loving tears, unbound.

Condolence: We met in the counseling office at U.C.L.A., she a transfer from Pasadena City College, and me, a transfer from San Diego State College. Two Elementary Education majors sitting there grumbling about all the paperwork to fill out. Her grumbling got louder, and she addressed a question to me. We started talking and laughing. She called me DeDe; I called her Willie. We went out to coffee at the Student Union, and that was the beginning of a 58 year friendship. For 2 years, we met for coffee, went to football games and dances, Friday afternoon "socials" at clubs and fraternities, various campus activities, and of course the never ending library hours. And, OH, how I loved her mother's Armenian food!
Willie graduated before me and taught school in Los Angeles. My sister also graduated before me and was ready for adventure, so she and Willie decided to teach in Alaska. I transferred to Chico State College. Over the years, separated by jobs and distance, we still maintained our friendship. The few times we were able to meet were very special visits, always too short: Alaska in 1975, Hood River in 1998, and Auburn a couple of years before her husband Steve died.
Who is Wilma Spengler? I have written in the Past Tense, but I will always think of Willie in the Present Tense. Willie, you are my very special friend, and I'll love you forever. Until we meet again.......Dee Birch

Condolence: To My Dear Friend Willie,

Having you for a friend has been such a gift. We started out as neighbors and ended up Best Friends. First Art passed away and then Steven. The two of us went through and learned so much together and we shared so many good times. Even bad times weren't so bad.You could always make me laugh and knew the right things to say when things were not so great. Our friendship was a very special one and we were there for each other no matter what came our way. Friendships like that are hard to find these days. I always felt you were more like family. I will miss our daily phone conversations and going to the Hood River Inn Happy Hour,Rosauers, Sharis, Andrewa Pizza, Crazy Pepper, Wally World, Portland and all the places we hung out
to get out of the house. We had fun no matter where we went or what we did. Rarely did I go anywhere without you. The funniest thing that ever happened was when you went to court with me to fight a ticket. I didn't really think I would win, but was going to try anyway. The officer that gave me the ticket was there and I figured I was wasting my time. You and I were whispering back and forth and looking at him on occasion. Then all the sudden he just got up and left. We finally figured out that he thought you were my attorney so he left. The judge let me off and said go home. Things like that happened a lot when we were together. You must of looked professional that day and as always looked nice. I treasured our time together and you will always be in my heart. I will miss you so much, but am so glad you are at peace now. Before you stopped talking and texting me you said you would be my guardian angel. I asked you how will I know when it is you. You said you would be the star in the sky that was brighter than all the others. Being my Guardian Angel will keep you very busy. You of all people know that I am a weirdo magnet. I love you so much and will see you in heaven someday.I will also treasure my Angel that you gave me for my Birthday one year. Your Forever Friend, Jean Santavicca