Nelle Arrine Olsen Spears' Obituary
Nelle Arrine Olsen Spears, 90, of Lakeland and Crestview, Florida, passed away July 11, 2023. She was born to the late Ole and Rhoda Olsen in 1932. She was proud to be a third generation Floridian from Winter Haven, FL. She graduated from Winter Haven High School in 1950. She was married to Ray Spears that same year. Arrine was a homemaker who cared for family and was very active in her church, and enjoyed gardening. She is survived by her three sons, Ray Spears Jr/wife Catherine, of Crestview, FL, Allen Spears, and Dwayne Spears/life partner Arlene Baumoehl of Lakeland, FL. Four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Hanscine Whitehead of Zephyrhills, FL. Arrine was predeceased by her loving husband in1996.
Arrine was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was very supportive and active in the Relief Society along with many of the church youth events. Arrine was blessed with a beautiful voice, she was in the choir and called upon often to direct the choir and sing at activities.
She passed her appreciation of music to all her children. They all performed in bands, orchestra, and chorale. Arrine was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.
As her health declined, she was still called upon to perform at her Assisted Living Facility for entertainment and celebrations for all residents. One of her fondest memories was getting a visit from her Canadian cousins who sat and sang songs in Danish. Many residents sat and enjoyed the day of song and memories. She was very proud of her heritage and loved her entire family. Up until the last couple of weeks, Arrine was still singing for all the nurses who cared for her. One nurse said, “she touched my heart singing in her father’s native tongue.”
Please join the family as they lay Arrine to rest at a graveside ceremony at Oak Hill Burial Park, 10:00 AM, Monday, July 17, 2023.
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