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Barbara Sprouse Obituary

SPROUSE Barbara Elizabeth "Barb" Sprouse, passed away in Columbus, Oh. on May 11, 2009-just shy of 90. Generous, shy, feisty and always classy, Barb earned the admiration and respect of her colleagues, many friends and deeply devoted family members. She is survived by five children, who still, at times and with joy, act that way. They include sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Peggy of Canal Winchester, and Paul and Leanne of Akron; son, Kevin and significant other, Birgitta Stolpe of Chicago, Ill.; son, Brian and life partner, Jim Ehmann of Rochester N.Y.; and daughter, Fran Spratley-Frantz and Nelson Roberto Frantz of Dublin. Grandchildren include Tom and Terri Sprouse of Columbus, Amanda and Matt Forquer of Ashville and Diana, Paul Michael II and Jonathan Sprouse of Akron. Great-grandchildren, Madison, Carson, Kyle, Cole, Alayna and Brenton. Also survived by brothers, Edward "Bud" Florjanczyk of Wheeling, W.Va. and his sweetie, Shirley Siebieda of Wheeling and Paul and Arlene Florjanczyk also of Wheeling. Barb was preceded in death by husband Robert E. Sprouse and parents Frank and Frances Florjanczyk. Born in Wheeling in 1919, Mom graduated Wheeling H.S. in 1936-a tenacious survivor of rather pervasive bias against Polish intellectuals who earned good math scores. She also survived the Great Depression often in the elegant styles created for her tall, slender body by her talented seamstress mother. Barb was a knock-out. She proudly worked for the Wheeling Telephone Company for 12 years. She began her nomadic U.S. Army life with her soldier husband, Bob, in 1946, traveling to (and having children in) Wheeling, New Jersey, Georgia, Alaska, South Carolina and Gahanna, Oh., where the family finally settled in 1961. Barb graduated from Ohio University in the mid 1970's and worked at Franklin University for the next 17 years. Barb's joy was to help a library patron find a particular book or article, unraveling a puzzling question or search tirelessly for obscure information. She was a two-footed, early version of the Internet. Barb was a dedicated member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Gahanna for 47 years. She joined many friends in supporting a variety of church functions, including her personal favorite-counting Sunday collection money on Monday mornings. She was an avid water aerobic exerciser, talented crossword puzzler, and constant reader of murder mysteries and health care magazines. Barb was a superior friend, trusted confidant, glib humorist, pithy political pundit and true fan of "Tru TV". Barb's family was her lifelong focus, her creative center and her stronghold. Unquestionably, she was ours. Her grandson, Tom, dubbed her "Barbie The Great" That she was. She will be deeply and sadly missed. The family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Thursday, at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 East Johnstown Road (at Beecher Rd.), Gahanna. Funeral Mass 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2009 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna with Father Paul Noble, Celebrant. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the building fund of St. Matthew Church in her memory. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory or to send a condolence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from May 13 to May 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Sprouse

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Kimberly Castaneda

July 31, 2009

Your mother was wonderful and I know this because the fruit (Fran) doesn't fall far from the tree, I send my deepest condolences out to the family and especially Fran Spratley-Frantz (my friend).

Madelon Bachmann

June 28, 2009

My remarkable friend, Barb, is gone; but the wonderful memories of our friendship will never leave. We met and worked at the C & P Telephone Co. during and after World War II. With our husbands home from the war, we had memorable times together. Throughout the years, we have kept in contact by telephone and visits. In our later years, I would call on New Year's Eve... ten minutes before midnight (Ohio time). Barb would have her drink ready, and we would toast the New Year. Whether it would be a highball, wine, juice, coffee or water, we tipped our glass or cup. And on the New Years' Eves that I have left, I will tip my glass or cup and say "Here's to you, Barb, my sweet dear friend".

Mary Hess

May 16, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Sherrie (Davis) Ashbrook

May 15, 2009

Dear Fran and Family;

I was deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. The obituary in The Columbus Dispatch was the most beautiful tribute I have ever read. Although it has been many years since I had the pleasure of seeing or speaking to your Mom, I will always remember her as a strong, intelligent and loving woman. You and your family were in my thoughts and prayers all day when I got the news. Losing a parent is a life altering experience.
God is looking after each of you and will see you through this most difficult time in your lives.

God Bless you Fran! I know you and your Mom were very close.

Fred Helser

May 14, 2009

What a beautiful tribute to your mother! We have such fond memories of Barbara that we will always cherish.She was a beautiful lady and so much fun and we always enjoyed being with her at work and being with her socially. She was so special and supportive to Ruth Ann.

Love and Prayers to all of you.

Fred & Ruth Ann Helser

Matthew Neely

May 14, 2009

To the Sprouses and family- I am saddened to hear the news of the passing of Barbara. I know she is a wonderful lady because I did have the opportunity to meet and know her. I remember there was a movie showing at the library of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and I went with Tom and his family when we were kids. She made me feel like I was one of the family. She will be missed and again, I am sorry for your loss. The Neely’s

Alexander Family

May 14, 2009

Bob,Peggy, Tom, and Amanda,
We wanted to pass on our condolences.We never had the privilege to meet your (Mother/Grandmother), however her class and spirit definitely shined through your family. Thanks for making an impact in our lives, and accept our apologies and sorrow. May God bless all of you. We love you!! James,Toni, Lexie, Jamie , and Brandie Alexander.

Cindy Hartong

May 14, 2009

Robbie, Paul, Fran, Brian & family,
I was so sorry to hear about your mom. What a vibrant lady. I remember meeting her for the first time at Paul and Leanne's engagement party. She had a glow about her knowing her son was the happiest person in the world that night. She was a remarkable person, I have heard so many stories that I feel like I have known her my whole life. My heart goes out to your families during these next couple of days. Grieve and thru those times also remember the great times you have had together. Treasure those memories forever.
God bless and know I will be thinking about your family tomorrow and Friday.

Debbie Easton

May 13, 2009

To Barb's Family:
My mother called me this morning to inform me of Barb's passing. I felt a real sense of loss all day. Mostly, I will miss my phone calls and visits with her when I come back to Ohio. Whenever I called she always seemed delighted to hear from me and spent most of the time highlighting the Sprouse family accomplishments. Barb delighted in beginning her discussion with Bob and his family and then moving down through the family to the newest member. Always there was a sense of pride in her voice about her children. Barb's laugh was contagious and I am certain that her positive outlook on life will continue to be a part of the Sprouse family tradition. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the funeral but I want you all to know that Barb deeply touched my life and I will miss her greatly.
Debbie

Jennifer Lewandowski

May 13, 2009

Brian,
I have you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Love Jen

Dan Lind

May 13, 2009

As my heart for the loss of my dear friend I found (much to my delight) that thinking of Barb has given me many smiles the past few days.As I think about my memories of Barb, 1 of my most special was visiting Amanda in the hospital when Madison was born. Barb and Peggy were both there when i visited. 4 generations of Sprouse women, what a lovely memory for me. Several weeks ago I was able to eat dinner and spend an evening with Barb and Paul, I really enjoyed that night. Those are just 2 of many cherished thoughts I have of Barb.
What a terrific Mother Barb was. It is not an accident that all of Barb's children turned out to be such wonderful people and special friends to me.
Barb was also there for me during one of the hardest times of my life, I can't think her enough for her love and compassion.
The most important thing I can say about Barb is that my life is so much better because I knew her.

Barb I love you and will miss you.

Michael Kernan

May 13, 2009

My deepest sympathy on your loss. It is so obvious how much Barbara was loved and respected by all who were so very fortunate to have been a part of her full and vibrant life.
Sincerely,
Michael and Lise Kernan

May 13, 2009

To Fran and all in her family,

All the years we worked together at Northgate Center, it was such a pleasure when Barb would come in and pick you up for lunch. She was funny, witty and always a class act. She added to the lives of those she only touched in brief ways as well as those with deeper connections. I know all of you will miss her deeply and my heart goes out to you all.

Judy Forsythe

May 13, 2009

To everyone in my extended family,

There are no words to express to each one of you how deeply sorry I am that Me/Mom/Barb will no longer be a physical part of my life. She will always remain in my heart and soul and loved so very much. I admired her and thought so highly of her for all that she had experienced in her wonderful life. I truly feel the loss as you do and will miss her as long as I live. Her picture shows it all, pure class. As time goes on, may each of you remember the grand times and the laughter we've all had and may those memories replace the sadness you feel today. With my sincere respect and love.

Leanne

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