Esther M. Sprague, 88, Ligonier, went home to be with The Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at the Avalon Village in Ligonier. She was born June 6, 1927, to John M. and Carrie E. (Stutzman) Eash in LaGrange County.
On June 16, 1951, she married Frederick E. Sprague, and together they raised their children. Esther graduated from Ligonier High School in 1945 and spent her days as a happy homemaker along with working for Millersburg Lumber Company and Co-op Lumber Company. Starcraft camping club accepted her with open arms and the Sprague family took many trips camping in their motor home. She liked to crochet, which served her well when creating gifts for her family – something she liked to do. Sewing was a great part of her pastime. Along with taking care of her cats and creating beautiful ceramic art pieces. She was a faithful member of the Clinton Brick Mennonite Church in Millersburg.
Esther will be dearly missed by her son: Jerry ‘Spook’ (Trish) Sprague, Ligonier; two daughters: Catherine E. James, Ligonier; and Margaret Ann (Randy) Stuckman, Ligonier; five grandchildren: Kenny (Christine) Sprague; Casey (Tina) James; Carrie (Jason) James; and Brandi Stuckman, all of Ligonier; and Andy Sprague, Kimmell; and Lauri (Andrew) Merkel, Dayton; seven great-grandchildren: Clifford and Chloe Sprague, Ligonier; Benjamin Sprague, Kimmell; Jeremyah; Jacob; Jaslyn; and Joey James, Ligonier; Harrison and Teddy Merkel, Dayton. Esther was welcomed into Everlasting Life by her husband: Frederick, and her parents.
A funeral service in honor of Esther will be held at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28. Pastor Ronald Kennel will officiate. A burial will take place at Clinton Brick Cemetery in Millersburg. Family and friends were received Sunday, Dec. 27, and will also be one hour prior to the service on Monday.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Clinton Brick Mennonite Church or the Humane Society of Noble County.