Barbara Jean SPRUTE

11/20/1927 - 05/25/2012

SPRUTE,
Barbara Jean
(McPhee)
(Age 84)

Began her earthly life on November 20, 1927, and her eternal one on May 25, 2012. Growing up during the Depression as the youngest of ten, she developed the remarkable strength, independence and sense of compassion that would define her throughout her life and across to the other side. The last six years of her life were marked by a tremendous struggle against multiple sclerosis and then a stroke. Despite the steep uphill battle she faced every day, she never complained. Even once. Always outgoing and intensely focused on the needs of others, it's likely that she got St. Peter to open up about his problems while waiting for her paperwork to be processed at the Gates of Heaven. It's even more likely that he considers her a good listener and a friend.

After graduating from Mead High School, Barbara attended the Sacred Heart School of Nursing, graduating in 1951. She worked as an operating room nurse in Hawaii and Oregon. Then she met Richard and his three children, and fell in love. They were married in 1959 and added two more children to the family. She worked full time as a mother, raising the bustling family, while continuing to work part-time for a family practitioner. After the family was raised, she went back to work full time, as a nurse at a substance abuse treatment center, where she further developed her already acute senses of compassion, understanding and acceptance. In whatever leisure time was left over, she enjoyed athletics, whether it be skiing, swimming, tennis, jogging, basketball, or dancing. More than anything, though, she enjoyed her family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and all nine of her siblings. She is survived by her incredibly loving and devoted husband of 53 years, Richard; children Mary (Art), Dan, Karen (Chris), Pat (Patty), and Gayle; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She will be terribly missed, but it is a great comfort to know that she is cradled in the arms of the God she loves, safe and warm and free from the pain and constant struggle that marked her last years. The family wishes to thank the many kind and compassionate caregivers that attended to Barbara during those years, and especially those at Avalon Care Center, who were with her at the end. She genuinely appreciated each one of you, as do we. You're awesome.

Vigil services will be Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 7pm with visitation beginning at 6pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 505 W. St. Thomas More Way, Spokane. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 1, 2012 at 11am also at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Please visit Barbara's tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to: