Claudia Erika Spriggs died at her home in Oak Harbor on March 28, 2015 at the age of 50, following a sudden illness. She was born July 26, 1964 in Berlin, Germany. Claudia was raised in a military family and grew up in Germany, Kansas and Oklahoma. She was raised by her mother Christel A. E. and father David A. Spruill, Jr.

Following graduation from Lawton High School in Lawton, Okla., she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and completed two years of service. She left the Air Force and after one year, enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic.

She served 18 years as a sailor and was a veteran of the Gulf War. She spent two deployments aboard ship, including time aboard the USS Stennis. She was assigned duty stations in Spain, Japan, Okinawa and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. She retired in 2007 and joined IDEX Health & Science of Oak Harbor, a position she had held for more than seven years.

Claudia was very artistic. She loved creating wood carvings, spending time outdoors, walking everywhere and painting.

Claudia is survived by her mother Christel A. E. Spruill of Lawton, Okla., and a sister, Sharon Lynn Ware (Carlos), of El Paso, Texas; one niece, Alexis Ware, and one nephew, Cameron Ware. She was preceded in death by her father.

Graveside funeral services for Claudia were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 3, 2015, at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville with Pastor Matt Erikson of Grace Community Church officiating.

Please visit Claudia’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share condolences and memories. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, WA.