Sally Lagra Espiritu Deakins

Sally Lagra Espiritu Deakins, age 74, of Springdale, Ark., passed away in the early morning on Thursday, February 6, 2025. She was born on November 12, 1950, in Lumban, Laguna, Philippines, to Leonila and Nicholas Espiritu. Sally was a devoted wife to her husband of 49 years, Phillip, beloved mother to her daughter Laurelin and son-in-law Justin, and adored “Roro” to her grandsons, Harp and Bo. Sally earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Santo Tomas, Manila, in 1972. Though the nursing profession was chosen by her father as her “ticket to America,” she embraced it wholeheartedly and loved her job. She retired after almost 50 years, and only after she became ill. But her real dream was to become an actress, and when she was little she would put on her finest clothes and sunglasses, act like she was boarding a plane, and then wave goodbye because she was off to Hollywood. She got close, arriving in Arkansas in 1973, assigned to Springdale Memorial Hospital during a nursing shortage. It was there she met fellow nurse and future husband Phillip, and they were married in the hospital chapel in 1976. She gave birth to their only child, daughter Laurelin, at that same hospital in 1979. Sally joined the VA Hospital in Fayetteville in 1981, dedicating the next 36 years to passionately caring for veterans until her retirement in 2017. She was known for joyfully serenading her patients on their birthdays. Sally could not stay retired for long, and she continued her career at Perimeter Health, a center for young girls impacted by trauma. The girls called her “Grandma Sally” and she would often be found cradling them in her arms, rocking them to sleep. Her final job was the weekend supervisor at Westwood Health and Rehab, and even as the boss she never stopped hands-on care, lovingly feeding the residents their favorite foods and dressing them in their coziest clothes. To say Sally was sassy is an understatement. She was strong, independent, and practically fearless. She came to America with $20 in her purse and built a life filled with friends and accomplishments. She encouraged others to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams, just as she had done. She loved to sing karaoke, dance, eat, and shop. Sally was known for her dazzling and vibrant style. In 2020, when she rang the bell at Mayo Clinic to celebrate completion of her radiation, she wore knee high red boots with rhinestones. She never forgot her lipstick, and in her later days kept it in the basket of her walker. She once asked Laurelin to bring gray root cover spray and a silk kimono to the ICU. Her greatest joys were her two grandsons, Harp Phillip and Bo Espiritu. When they were born she once lamented, "No one looks like me!" And even though they both have blonde hair, they each have a perfect Filipino nose. Sally endured countless hardships in the last 4.5 years, yet her optimism and faith were unwavering. While driving to one of her last medical appointments, even as her cancer continued to progress, she told Laurelin, "We are so blessed and God is so good." She was the toughest person we have ever known. Sally is survived by her husband, Phil; daughter, Laurelin; son-in-law, Justin; and grandsons, Harp and Bo. She is also survived by sisters, Edna Ebarvia (Santos), Mennie Liverato (Juno), and Celia Dagdag (Carding); brother-in-law, Alberto Mijares; sister-in-law, Teofila Espiritu; sister-in-law, Teodora Espiritu; and many cherished nieces and nephews. The family is forever grateful to her oncology team at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Dr. James Salmon, and Dr. Sidney Vinson; their skill and compassion gave us more time with Sally than we ever thought possible. Thank you to her devoted friends and caregivers, Marta Ceballos and Jessie Cargill, who made sure she never missed a manicure or a trip to Sam’s Club. A special thank you to The Meadows Assisted Living in Bentonville, where she lived the last six months of her life - they truly took care of her like family. And thank you to Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, who provided care and comfort not only to Sally in her final days, but also to her friends and family. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 5-7 p.m., at Sisco Chapel, 705 West Meadow Avenue, Springdale. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 10:30 a.m., at Central United Methodist Church, 2535 W. New Hope Road, Rogers. Donations can be made in honor of Sally to The Meadows Staff Christmas Fund, 2300 SE 28th St, Bentonville, Ark, 72712. They served her faithfully to the end, even bringing her favorite strawberry cake to Circle of Life Hospice House. In honor of Ms. Sally, who always looked fabulous, please wear your brightest colors to her Celebration of Life. Now is the time for your most vibrant reds, your shiniest bling, your jeweled headbands and leopard print. There would be no finer tribute to the girl from Lumban, who lived the American dream and brought joy and sparkle to all she met.

Sally Lagra Espiritu Deakins

November 12, 1950 - February 6, 2025