SPRINGFIELD - Patricia "Patti" Marie Sponsler, 60, of Springfield passed away Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, at her son's home.
Patti was born Nov. 28, 1947, in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph Jr. and Marjorie Ray Shimkus. She was married to Robert J. Sponsler; he preceded her in death.
Patti was a devoted member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. After graduating from Ursuline Academy and attending SCI and LLCC, Patti went on to work for the Illinois State Board of Higher Education, retiring after 33 years.
Patti will be remembered as a generous and unselfish mother, dedicated to raising her children and taking care of others. She enjoyed tending to her flower bed and going to auctions and garage sales. She loved collecting milk glass and antiques and some of her favorite TV shows were "Antique Roadshow," "Dancing with the Stars" and "Waiting for God." More than anything, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Patti was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marie Cody; and her stepmother, Emma Shimkus.
She is survived by her children, Paula M. Sponsler and Shawn M. Behl of Springfield, Scott J. Sponsler of Salisbury, Stacey M. Horton and Stephanie M. Sponsler of Springfield; her grandchildren, Amber and Christopher Behl, Kelsey Lane, Nicholas Hamende and Alexis Hamende, Clayton and Cashton Sponsler; her great-grandson, Talon Behl; her siblings, Susan (husband, Terry) Hupp of Chatham, Joseph (wife, Julie) Shimkus of Springfield and Kathleen Garrison of Eldon, Mo; in addition to several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5 p.m.
Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, with the Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Simmons Cooper Cancer Institute at SIU, P.O. Box 19677, Springfield, IL 62702.
Please visit Patti's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bobby.
Alexis Hamende
April 12, 2016
My grandma, Patty, was the worlds greatest grandma! I loved her dearly and she loved me too. We did everything together and have way too many memories. I miss her everyday and so do the rest of us. She was the kindest person you would have ever met and now i'm trying to be just like her . It's hard knowing shes not here to help guide me on my journey as I grow up but I know what she would be proud of and how she would've wanted me to grow up. I would absolutely do anything to have her back. She past the September after the April when I turned 6. Ever since then its hit me hard. I hope one day I will be able to see her again. 4-12-16

In Loving Memory
October 9, 2008
Rita Messinger
September 29, 2008
I just read about Pat's death in St. Agnes' weekly bulletin. I would see Pat occasionally at church, but I first met her when she came to our prayer group back in the 80's after her husband had died in the car accident. I still remember her witness about how he came to her in their home and comforted her telling her he was all right and not to worry. That was my first thought when I read about her death, that now she has been reunited with him and is truly happy. With my sincerest condolences, Rita Messinger (St. Agnes parishioner)
Bobby G
September 22, 2008
Stace, I can't think of any words to truely express how sorry I am for your loss. I can only offer my love and friendship. I Love You.
Shirley Theilen
September 22, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your mother's death. May God bless you all as you lean of His love and comfort to carry you thru this very difficult time.
Mark and Karen Pape
September 20, 2008
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. Losing a mother is one of the most difficult things you will endure in life. Please find comfort in how loved and respected Patti was. Thinking of her laugh and wonderful sense of humor makes us smile. She was a gem and will be missed.
Love always.
Bob-o Midden
September 19, 2008
Sorry to read of the loss of your Mother. If you need anything be sure to give me a holler. I have many fond memories of your Mother as she was a kind woman!
Sara Ralph
September 18, 2008
my dear cousins,I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was a very special,wonderful lady who touched many lives along the way and she will be forever missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.... much love ,Sara
Tom Pape
September 18, 2008
To Sue, Joe, Kathy & all you Sponsler kids. A planned family trip will preclude me from being with you on Fri/Sat but my heart and thoughts will be there. Patti was family but was also always more a pal and her friendship with my Mom (aunt Jean) was special indeed. When together, those two were trouble brewin'. So, our condolences kids; we'll miss Patti a bunch.
Love; Tom, Roberta, Greg and Phil Pape
Brandy (Mackay) Eckert
September 18, 2008
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Scott.
Barb Pape
September 18, 2008
From having me babysit all you kids as young ones, to helping me arrange a beautiful wedding day, Patti was always much more than a cousin, but a mentor and a friend. I can't imagine a life she touched that she didn't bring her special joy too - or the beauty that she seemed to see in just about anything. I learned to see that too because of her and I'm grateful for that and the gift of her.
With deepest sympathy but comfort knowing what a beautiful place she's made of heaven already.
Love to you all and with you in spirit,
Barb Pape and Tyler too
Bob & Myrtle Smarjesse
September 18, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Diane McCombs
September 18, 2008
Your mother and sister was a wonderful woman and always a joy for me to talk to. She always me made me laugh in our conversations together. It was very apparent that the most important thing in her life was her family. She will be missed!
The Manker Family
September 18, 2008
Shawn, Amber, Chris, and Sponsler Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. With Our Deeepest Sympathy
Joyce Kramer
September 18, 2008
Patti was a wonderful caregiver to my mother, Adele Dirreen until last year. She was just like a sister to me and even called my mother "Mom". She was the most compassionate person I ever knew and was not afraid to show her love for the Lord.I know you will all miss your mother,but know that she is in Heaven with your father and other loved ones. God bless you all!
Jacky Galassi
September 18, 2008
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Patti. We both had something in common. We were the grandmothers to Clayton. Patti was a dear friend and for the short time I
knew her, she was the most beautiful person you would
ever want to know. She was a most wonderful grandmother and how she loved her grandchildren. Pattti was always
there when you needed her. She helped me plan my daugther's wedding and also helped with the celebration of my mother-in-law's 80th surprise birthday party.
I cannot express my sorrow for her loss and the pain her children must have at this time. To her family, I extend my
very deepest sympathy and my thoughts and prayers are
with them at this time. God bless.
Joe and Karen Bracco
September 18, 2008
Patty was a very special person and will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.
Dawn Bell
September 18, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Mary Weeks Schlee
September 18, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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