Barbara Ruth Wilhelm

Barbara Ruth Wilhelm, 78, of Bella Vista, AR, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Rosary will be at 2:00 pm; Funeral Mass will be 2:30 pm, Friday, March 5, 2021, both at Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church. Preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Theresa Neissl; husband, Mike Wilhelm; daughter-in-law, Laurie Wilhelm. Survived by her sons, Andrew Wilhelm of Bella Vista, AR, Hans (Marit) Wilhelm of Hermosa, SD, Paul (Mary Ellen) Wilhelm of Wichita, KS, Tobias (Tiffany) Wilhelm of Rapid City, SD; daughter, Lee Wilhelm of Ogden, UT; grandchildren, Lexie, Michael, Zachary, Nate, Lukas, Charlie (Katie) Wilhelm, Spenser (Madelyn, Fiancée), Isabel, Catherine, Ana, Raef, Georgi, Alannah, Tevin, Tead; one great-grandchild on the way; sister, Mary (Richard) Kendall; brother, Ernest J. (Kelly) Neissl; numerous nieces and nephews. In broad strokes, Barbara had three great loves- her faith, her family and her country. She was born the eldest of three to EJ and Theresa Neissl in Charleston, Arkansas. She helped raise her two siblings, Mary (Mimi) and Junior due to a large gap between their ages. The following is her story, starting from high school, mostly in her own words: Once upon a Wednesday, in the month of May, on the 31st day in the 1961st year of our Lord there was a graduation of 44 Scho Girls from St. Scholastica's Academy in the city of Fort Smith in the State of Arkansas. I was blessed to be one of those girls, who survived as a boarder, an aspirant, and as a "day dog"- proud to be each one of them. Overcoming and understanding obstacles in each section but joyfully making treasured friends in all three areas. Attended FSJC, working off my tuition by helping two different families, and worked at Hunt's Department store as a cashier, telephone operator and credit clerk. Graduated from FSJC in the Hall of Fame (big surprise to me) with an AA degree in Elementary Education in memory of Grandma Gann and love of History, Teaching and Writing. Went to work at OG & E until October 22, 1965- when Michael James Wilhelm (Subi '59) and I, Barabara Ruth Neissl (SS'61) were married at Sacred Heart Church in Charleston, AR. In 1966, our first Son and miracle, Andrew Joseph in 1968, our second Son and miracle, Hans Michael in 1969, our third Son and miracle, Paul Gerard in 1970, our only daughter and miracle, Rosalee Ann in 1973, our fourth son and miracle, Tobias Jude (Seemed I was pregnant more than not the first 5 years) Three neat things: My great Grandfather, MD, Phar.- educated in Bavaria where he met my great grandmother- Barbara. His name- Wilhelm Michael Neissl. I married Michael Wilhelm, another Michael & Barbara marriage. Discovered via my birth certificate that Grandpa Doc had delivered me- explains closeness and love of the medical field. Since 1961 it has been work, education, marriage to a marine ( I know there are no ex marines) who is a brick mason, stone artist, great husband and Dad. Raising five wonderful kids (who are all veterans of either the Army or AirForce), with 15 precious grandkids, and one great grandchild on the way. During the Carter era went back to work (in public), plant nursery, hospital (housekeeping and purchasing), columnist and office manager for the CC Tribune (8/8/88), a DJ playing music, news and weather at Radio Station, Gospel show, Home Health as a secretary/receptionist for ten years, Kerusso, St. Vincent de Paul, and finally a researcher, receptionist, and writer for the Carroll County Historical Society until May 2009. I have been selling MaryKay since 1984. In 2006 I made a pilgrimage to Italy with Paul & Mary Ellen and then travelled on to Germany and Poland visiting Andy, Laurie and their kids. I was made a member of the Lay Carmelite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Professed on September 8, 2001. I was secretary-treasurer of the St. Anne's Altar Society for many years. At St. Anne's in Berryville, I was also a lector, director of religious education and Sunday school teacher. I have loved teaching Sunday school since Sacred Heart Grade School- Love teaching God's Word and His Church's catechism. In all things and at all times I give thanks, trust, and rest in God and His Holy Word. I need Jesus and His Word in the sacraments and Mass! My Catholic Faith has made the last fifty years of my life possible. Barbara spent the last few years living in Bella Vista, AR with her son, Andrew, and his two youngest Nate and Lukas. While living there she became a lymphoma cancer survivor. She also spent countless loving hours watching and helping Nate and Lukas grow. They especially loved cooking together! She was also a devoted friend to many. She loved getting together with her dear friends and playing Boggle. Barbara will be greatly missed by many but is now enjoying her heavenly reward, where, we know, she will ceaselessly pray for those of us left behind. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 https://tunnel2towers.org/. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.