Lydia Mae Spies was born on April 4, 1934 in Dighton, Kansas and passed away August 28, 2016, in Yuba City, California surrounded by her loving family.

She met her husband, Harold Spies, in Kansas. They were married for 60 years. They loved to dance together and spent their courting time doing so every weekend. They both had beautiful voices and sang in the choir at the Catholic Church when their children were young.

While Harold was in the Air Force, Lydia did many small things privately for other wives without drawing attention to herself. She belonged to the Squadron Wives Club and seeing the need for communication to be disseminated among the wives regarding their husbands, when deployed, she began making phone calls to the Air Force becoming the liaison between the Airman and their wives. She made many phone calls to the wives updating them when information was relayed to her from the Squadron. She received an award from the Squadron for doing this, and yet, never brought attention to herself. She privately gave of herself 100 percent and her encouragement was very helpful to those she helped.

Lydia was strong, full of wisdom and was multi-talented. She made all of her children's clothing for many years. She enjoyed baking, cake decorating and cooking. Because of her talents, she inspired many people. She was very resourceful and her children felt fulfilled and happy in life, never lacking anything. Lydia was involved in the community serving with the Pink Ladies at Rideout Hospital for many years and also supervised at a Sutter County polling place for County Elections. She also served on the U. S. Census Bureau walking the neighborhoods gathering census information.

Lydia is survived by her loving husband, her five children, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She is one of 17 children and is survived by 3 sisters, Ruth, Shelley and Helen. She always put her family first, even until her last breath.

Private services will be held September 2, 2016. Flowers may be sent to Ullrey Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to Rideout Hospice, in memory of Lydia Spies, at 939 Live Oak Blvd., Yuba City, CA 95991.

(Published in Appeal Democrat on Sept. 1, 2016 - Marysville, CA. Names of survivors omitted).