Willene Douce

Willene (Willie) Brady Magruder Douce died peacefully on June 5, 2008, after a 9-year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born in Paynesville, Pike County, MO, on September 30, 1919 to Mable Lee Brown Magruder and Ralph Woolfolk Magruder. She graduated Paynesville High School as co- valedictorian of her class. She graduated from Miss Hickey's Secretarial School and went on to serve as executive secretary to the president of Emerson Electric in St. Louis, MO during the early part of WWII. She was married for over 50 years to William C. Douce who died in 1999. A daughter and a son were born to this union - Terri Ann Douce Springer and William C. Douce, Jr. Willie Douce was a devoted wife to her husband, who served as chairman and CEO of Phillips Petroleum Company, Bartlesville, OK. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Early in their marriage, the Douces lived in Borger, TX during WWII while Willie worked as a secretary and Bill made fuel for fighter planes. In 1945 Willie and Bill moved to Bartlesville, OK and lived most of their remaining lives here with a side trip to Westfield, NJ from 1956 - 1959. While her family was always her first priority, Willie helped found the SPCA of Bartlesville, served in Mother's Club, the Jaycettes, the DAR, Service League, The American Clan Gregor Society, and the American Genealogical Society and was a member of the Hillcrest Country Club. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Willie liked to travel most of her years and in support of her husband's career circled the globe many times. Her best vacations were times spent on the coasts of Ireland and Scotland with friends. She had many stories of high adventures and some misadventures in countries all over the world. Willie was recognized throughout her life as an exceptionally kind person with a distinctive and happy laugh. Her son, William C. Douce, Jr., her husband William C. Douce and her parents Ralph and Mable Magruder, preceded Willie Douce in death. She also was preceded in death by brother-in-law Robert E. Douce and by nephew Michael Magruder of Eolia, MO. Survivors include her daughter Terri A. Springer of Overland Park, KS, grandson, Jason M. Springer of Lawrence, KS, a brother Warren Magruder (JoAnne) and nephew Mark Magruder (Barb), and niece Melanie Mathis all of Eolia, MO. The family wishes to extend special thanks to her loyal, loving and patient caregivers and companions who always will remain in our prayers. Thank you to Suzie Zeiders, case manager, Elder Care and to Pam Cook. Thanks to Amy, Crystal, Jeannie, Suzette, Judy, Cindy and many other angels. Services will be at 11:00 am June 11, Wednesday at the Good Shepard Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. Dale Scott. Reception following the service will be in the Parlor of the church. Private burial. The family would welcome donations made in Willie's memory to the Washington County SPCA, SPCA Animal Shelter, 16620 State Highway 123, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74003. Services are under the direction of the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 11:00am, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville