Wilma Hein (Speck) Hein

Wilma D. Hein
August 26, 1932 - January 24, 2013

Wilma was born in Trenton, N.J., the third child of William H. and Mabel R. Speck. Her parents and three sisters moved to California in 1948. After graduation from Torrance High School, Wilma joined the U.S. Navy (WAVES) in January 1951 serving our country during the Korean War until discharge in July 1954. Before her teaching career, Wilma worked many interesting jobs including Pacific Telephone & Telegraph, Douglas Aircraft and White Sands National Monument as a US Park Ranger. An avid student, Wilma attended El Camino College, Cal State University Long Beach, University of Southern California, eventually achieving her doctorate in Physical Education from Brigham Young University.

Wilma's teaching career began in elementary and high schools in California and New Mexico. She taught at BYU in Provo & Hawaii from 1965-1969, continuing on to New Mexico State and Washington State Universities focusing on health and physical education. She found her home in Monmouth at Western Oregon University in 1972.

After retirement from WOU, Wilma was able to spend time traveling to many countries. Comfort was not always a priority as she spent two months traveling on a working freighter as it delivered cargo to many international ports of call. Her favorite place to visit was Thailand where she made many visits throughout the years.

Wilma is survived by her two sisters, Jerri Dean of Salem, Sally Kesselman from Scottsdale Az. and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mabel Speck of Torrance, Ca. and her sister, Mickey Kinnaman of Monmouth.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Saturday, February 2, 10 am at Fir Crest Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 783 Church St W, Monmouth. Arrangements by Farnstrom Mortuary, online at FarnstromMortuary.com.