Gwendolyn "Arline" Speer, 87, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away late Monday morning, August 31, 2015.

Born January 30, 1928 in Udall, Kansas, she was the daughter of Earl and Mary (Kilts) Schwantes. She was raised and received her early education in rural Udall. She later moved to Winfield and lived with friends to attend and graduate from Winfield High School.

Arline was united in marriage to Bernard "Bernie" Speer on September 6, 1950 in Winfield. The couple made their home south of Winfield. Arline went to work for William Newton Hospital as a Nurse Aide, working primarily in the nursery. After leaving the hospital, she worked at Cessna Aircraft for five years. After retiring, Bernie and Arline delivered papers to rural areas for the Winfield Daily Courier. Mr. Speer preceded her in death on July 11, 2012.

She enjoyed camping in Colorado, gardening, bird watching and mowing her lawn. Arline took pride in her lawn mower, washing and waxing it after every mowing.

Her family includes:
Her son: Monty Speer and wife, Teresa of Burden;
Her daughter: Becky Brookings and husband, Johnnie of Udall;
Her grandchildren: Rachel Skov and husband, Sean; Robin Marshall; Patricia Campbell and husband, Collin; Jessi Ackerman and husband, Jason; Rod Bonesteel and wife, Brandi;
Her great grandchildren: Braden, Rylee, Hallie, Ty, Raigan, Michael, Becca, Mason, Lachlan, Ellie, Jaden and one on the way;
Her sister: Dee Thomas of Winfield; and
Her K9 companion: Rusty.

In addition to her parents and husband, Arline was preceded in death by her infant son, Larry Joe Speer, her brother, Don Schwantes and his wife, Bev Schwantes, and her brother-in-law, John Thomas.

Graveside Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Memorial Lawn Cemetery north of Arkansas City. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday, September 4, 2015 from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening.

A Memorial has been established in Arline's name for the Alzheimer's Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.