Dora Elizabeth (West) Speerstra, 98, of Oakwood Heights, formerly of Oakwood Rose Gardens, Oil City, went to be with her Lord Jesus at 5:07 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, following a period of declining health.

She was born October 8, 1917, the daughter of the late John M. and Emma I. (Ulander) West, and the twin of Dona I. West.

Dora grew up on a farm on the dead-end of Horsecreek Road. She went to the Rose school and shared many memories of walking to school, riding the bobsled down the big hill; and how all of the boys at school would walk the path to Slate Run and meet their teacher, Miss Stanley, and help her across the creek as she walked to school through the woods. Dora graduated in 1935 from Cranberry High School in Seneca.

She met and fell in love with her husband of 66 years, Samuel H. Speerstra, Sr., and he preceded her in death on May 18, 2008.

Dora was a stay-at-home mom and her lifelong passion was doting over her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many neighborhood kids as well. She was an avid reader, loved history, reading her Bible, and caring for her flower garden. She enjoyed watching 'Jeopardy,' and family and friends knew not to call, as she would not accept phone calls while it was on.

Mrs. Speerstra was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Oil City.

She was a dedicated caregiver to her husband for 18 years. She enjoyed music by Kris Kristofferson, songs by Janis Joplin, and would even blare the television speakers if Taylor Swift was on country video.

She is survived by her six children: Samuel H. Speerstra, Jr. and his wife Sandra of Bozeman, Montana, Ann E. Beebe and her husband George of Virginia Beach, Va., Clifford L. Speerstra and his wife Patricia of Clearfield, Donna J. Rembold and her husband Lynn, Henry J. Speerstra and his wife Debra, and Karen L. McSparren and her husband Matthew, all of Oil City; her grandchildren, Thomas Beebe, George Beebe, Alicia Chenoweth, Michelle Petersen, Douglas Speerstra, Adrianne Janowick, Clifford Speerstra, Jeffrey, Michael, Scott, and Bradley Rembold, Henry "Hank" S. Speerstra, Katherine "Kate" Speerstra, Samuel McSparren, and M. William McSparren. Her great-grandchildren include James, John, Beau, Robert, Tyler, Christopher, Nicholas, Jonathen, Evie Jane, Jake, Tucker, Maija, Dade, Kale, Kamry, Khloe, H. Kannon Speerstra, Ethan, Issac, Isabella, Adein, and Elijh.

She is also survived by her sweet neighbor who was like a daughter to Dora, DeAnna Brady and her children Tammy, Carol, Becky, Susie, and Wayne; her neighbor, Nancy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dora was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, and infant brother, three brothers: William, Edwin, and Lee; and four sisters, Helen, Bernice, Emma, and Dona; and a granddaughter, Dora LeAnn Beebe.

Visitation and funeral services will be private, however the family will receive close friends and neighbors on Saturday, July 9th from 11 a.m. until noon. Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens in Cranberry.

Dora's children would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses, aides, dietary workers, and volunteers at Oakwood Heights for the exceptional care, hugs, and kisses that she received while a resident there since 2013, especially the tender loving care on her final day; and also to AseraCare Hospice for the comfort measures she received.

The Hile-Best Funeral Home, Inc. in Seneca, Cranberry Township is completing funeral arrangements. Condolences to Dora's family may be sent online by visiting www.hilebest.com

 Service Information