Neva Woolsey

(From Epting Funeral Home)

Neva Woolsey, age 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 10th 2026 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, August 9th 1930 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Ernest and Gypsy Lipe (Brown).

Neva grew up in southwest Missouri, graduating from Noel High School in 1948. As the wife of an Air Force officer, she lived in many places across the country including Indiana, Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois and Oklahoma before retiring to southwest Missouri in 1988, She later moved to Bella Vista Arkansas in 1996 and Rogers Arkansas in 2020.

In addition to working, she raised two sons, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 1968 from the University of Hawaii and her Masters degree from Webster College in 1976.. She worked as a sixth grade teacher and retired as a counselor from the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing. She enjoyed reading, having been a member of many book clubs through the years, playing Bridge, gardening, and entertaining her numerous fiends. She was a lifelong member of PEO. She loved animals and doted on the numerous pets that she had over the years. But she especially enjoyed being with her two grandchildren, Jeff and Cari.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Woolsey; one son, John Lewis; one brother, John Lipe; and her parents, Ernest and Gypsy.

Neva is survived by her son, Phil Lewis (Nancy) of Rogers, Arkansas; and two grandchildren, Jeffery and Cari Lewis.

A Service will be held for her on Saturday, March 14th at St. Theodore’s Episcopal Church in Bella Vista, beginning with a viewing at 1:00 p.m. followed by the service at 2:00 p.m., The Reverend Brandon J. Hudson officiating. She will be laid to rest at IOOF Cemetery in Neosho, Missouri after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle of Life or a local animal shelter.