Willa G. "Billie" Spears

Willa “Billie” Spears, 98 of Drummond, WI passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025 in St. Cloud, Florida. Willa, the youngest daughter of four siblings, was born on April 16, 1927 in Berkeley, IL to William and Ellen (Costigan) Ernst. Willa was raised in the Chicago suburbs and attended Proviso High School. Her senior year she transferred and graduated from Drummond High School when her parents relocated to Grand View, WI to operate the Trapper’s Lake Tavern. Willa attended one year of County Normal College before marrying.

Willa was joined in marriage on July 16, 1946 to Herbert “Glenn” Spears at Trapper’s Lake. Willa was an avid homemaker and together they moved across country several times early on in Glenn’s career with the US Navy. Together they raised four children, Glenna Spears of St. Cloud, FL; Kathy Paulson of Sheboygan Falls, WI; Lori (Joe) Laberee of Cable, WI and Wade (Mary Ann) Spears of Drummond, WI. Following Glenn’s retirement they returned to northern Wisconsin to continue raising their family. Willa and Glenn ran Sweden Tavern, owned and operated the Leinenkugel’s distributorship and managed Twin/Perch Lakes and Wanoka Campgrounds for many years. Willa and Glenn enjoyed traveling and after retirement joined their daughter in Florida during the winter months. Willa was instrumental in initial fundraising efforts that began the Great Divide Ambulance, a founding member of the Drummond Sno-Jacks as well as the Drummond School PTA.

Willa is survived by her four children; grandchildren Eric, Nicole, Rachael and Adam; five great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; sister in laws Ellen Nelson and Bev Ernst as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Willa was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, son in law Joe, her parents and siblings.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 6, 11AM-3PM at the Drummond Town Hall.