Wilma M. Spess

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Wilma Marvella Spess, 96, passed from this life on February 8, 2021, near Jennings,
Oklahoma.

Wilma was born on October 12, 1924 at Boswell, Oklahoma; the daughter of L.R.
“Buck” and Floris Mae (Eastwood) Rossman. Wilma grew up attending school at Tulsa,
Keystone and later graduating from Mannford. While in high school Wilma was an
active part of the basketball team as well as other sports. During the war effort Wilma
worked at Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa. She was soon discovered for her talent of singing
and joined “The Douglas Entertainers” that would travel and perform for U.S. troops as
well as the citizens of Tulsa. Wilma was often touted as the “Brown-Eyed Irish Girl” and
was offered the chance to be a professional singer. Choosing instead to start her family,
she was united in marriage to Paul Berness Spess in 1945. Wilma and Paul
established their initial home in the East Basin area of Mannford where they raised their
four children Rick, Lindy, Kathy, and Kim. While her children were growing up Wilma
would often volunteer at the school and follow her children with all their activities.

Through worship, teaching, volunteering, choir, or anywhere else she could help, Wilma
was very active in the Mannford Assembly of God Church. She was an integral part of
the annual Arts and Crafts Show and enjoyed volunteering at the Mannford Historical
Museum taking special care of their flowers. She also continued to sing, performing at
many weddings and other public events. When at home, Wilma could be found growing
flowers, tending her garden, or on her tractor. Later in life, Wilma would regularly be
seen sitting courtside at the Mannford Pirates basketball games. Throughout her life,
Wilma loved God, going to church, helping others in need, and providing for her family.

Survivors are her children; Richard (Rick) Spess and his wife Barbara of Cleveland,
Oklahoma, Paul (Lindy) Spess and his wife Paula of Luther, Oklahoma, Kim Mixon and
her husband Mick of Poteau, Oklahoma, Alan Bell, son-in-law of Stillwater, Oklahoma;
four grandchildren Luke Bell of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Dr. Chad Mixon and his wife
Stephanie of Tampa, Florida, Ricky Spess of Enid, Oklahoma, Cody Spess of Luther,
Oklahoma; two great-grandsons Otto and Axel as well as numerous other relatives and
friends. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, “Buck” and Floris Rossman;
husband, Paul Spess; daughter Kathy Bell; siblings Farrell Rossman, Bill Rossman, and
Sue Harper.

A Memorial service will be held March 20, 2021 at 2:00pm in the First Christain Chruch, Cleveland, Oklahoma. You may share a memory at www.chapman-black.com.


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