Wines

SHEPHERDSTOWN — On Tuesday, beloved Betty’s Restaurant owner Regina Spickler Wines passed away, to the sorrow of the many people whose lives were touched by her.

The Shepherdstown resident and business owner was taken to the hospital on Jan. 11, due to a major drop in her blood sugar. After being hospitalized that night for observation, her doctors determined she needed further care and placed her on oxygen. While her vital signs began to show some improvement on Sunday, she remained uncommunicative, eventually passing away on Tuesday morning.

“Heaven has gained another angel today. With a heavy heart, we had to say goodbye to our beloved mother, Regina,” wrote her son, Donnie Russell, on her Facebook page.

Russell then alluded to the June 30, 2014 passing of his sister, Heather Renaud, who co-owned Betty’s Restaurant with their mother.

“She’s celebrating with Heather now and is no longer in pain,” Russell said. “Thank all of you for your heartfelt prayers!”

Along with Russell, other friends and family members also reached out on Wines’ Facebook page to dwell on the loss of a wonderful woman.

“Saying goodbye is not for us. Instead, I will say that I cannot wait to see you again, my friend, and my love for you and our friendship will continue to grow stronger,” wrote Connie Caton, of Martinsburg. “So, to keep from crying, I am just going to keep laughing and [celebrating] us. Give Heather a hug for me and tell God I said ‘thank you’ for you!”

Many commenters spoke of the ways in which Wines’ presence changed their lives.

“If it wasn’t for Regina, I wouldn’t have met me husband,” said Laura Stickel, of Martinsburg. “She was my mentor, my friend and my second mother. She saw more in me than I saw in myself and pushed me to make more of my life. I am completely heartbroken that she’s no longer with us, but also so happy that she and Heather are reunited. Rest easy, sweet friend, knowing that your light will continue to shine in this world because of your completely selfless, fully giving and amazing loving heart.”

A former employee of Wines’ also commented on her page, with fond memories in mind.

“I worked for Regina and was friends with her daughter, Heather,” wrote Martinsburg resident Bonnie Vanorsdale. “We had so many good talks.”

With the two co-owners who bought the restaurant from its founder, Betty Osborne, in 2001, now gone, the new ownership of the restaurant is yet-to-be-determined by either a will or Wines’ family.

But, regardless of the future of Betty’s Restaurant, the legacy of Wines will remain unchanging in the hearts of all who knew her.

“Regina Spickler Wines was one of a kind. I have had the pleasure of knowing her since mid-1980s,” wrote Debbie Darlington. “There is no better, funnier, kinder and [more] patriotic gal than she was. You will be missed by many.”