Velia Pichel Caplinger

Velia Pichel Caplinger, 85, of Benton, AR, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Velia was born on April 28, 1941, in Gary, IN, to Adolfo and Peregrina Pichel, both Spanish immigrants. She grew up the youngest of 3, the Pichel girls. Deeply rooted in her Spanish heritage, Vel grew up bilingual and spent much of her formative years learning customs from the Spanish population in her community. She was fiercely proud of her Spanish heritage.

She graduated from Calumet High School, where she met her forever love, “Eddie,” on the first day of 10th grade in Ms. Elsie Waldron’s Homeroom.

She went on to obtain her Diploma in Registered Nursing, and in 1975, after moving with her family to Arkansas, she began working for Pulaski County Special School District as a School Nurse. It was there that she found her niche. She was not just a school nurse, she was everyone’s nurse.

Above all Vel was a devoted wife, loving mother, mimi and great grandmother. She was simply the Best!

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Elisa Pichel Vonderhaar.

She is survived by her husband Ralph Edward “Ed” Caplinger; daughter Elisa Caplinger Mosley (Gary); son David Caplinger (Shannon); grandsons Nick Thompson (Leighsa), Chase Caplinger, Zachary Caplinger; and Great Grandson Kaige Thompson. Bonus Great Grandchildren Ethan and Lindsey Williams. Sister Carmen Fauner (Jim), Sister-in-law Donna Graves (Larry), and many extended family members, friends, coworkers, and students whose lives she touched.

Our Mimi not only lit up a room with her smile, she filled our hearts with joy and loved us beyond measure.

Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, located at 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. A special Nurse Honor Guard Tribute will be held at 6:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Hwy 5 N, Alexander, AR 72002.

We would like to thank Hospice Home Care for the wonderful way in which they cared for our Mimi and our entire family. Special thanks to Kristi Pelle and Margo Peach.

Thank you all for loving us!