Shirley Marie Sprague

Shirley Marie Sprague, a lady of grace and kindness, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025 in Guthrie, OK. Born June 1, 1941 in Crescent, OK, to Frank and Ruth Phillips, Shirley touched the hearts of those around her through her kindly interest, ready laugh, beautiful smile and loving spirit. She completed her journey on earth on March 22, 2025, in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Shirley was a proud graduate of her local high school and as a young woman, married her sweetheart, Jackie T. Dunagan. The love of Shirley and Jackie Dunagan blossomed into a family of their own, graced by the births of Tommy, Jackie, and Cindy. Infant son, Tommy, preceded her in death, as did her son Jackie Eugene, who in January of this year, went to be with the Lord.
Later in life, Shirley married Gary Sprague, and began a new chapter in her life. They remained together until Gary's passing in 2017. Shirley loved all of her family, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, her living brother, Frankie Phillips, and Gary's children, sons John, Jim and Joe Sprague, of Illinois, and their families. She enjoyed and appreciated their visits, phone calls and presence in her life, especially as she cared for their father in his final days.
Shirley was a woman who proved that even in adversity, one can remain loving. Despite the losses and challenges she faced, she thought of others. She found pleasure in her creative passions, one of which was sewing. Shirley's sewing was an extension of her heart. For seven years, she worked on a quilt for her son, Jackie, and gifted it to him for Christmas last year, before his passing in January. Making pillows and baby blankets, all of these were her plans for the future as she sought to show love for others.
Shirley was intelligent and witty, an avid reader who found joy in simple things like watching the formation of figures in the clouds, or growing plants and tomatoes. She appreciated her simple home and the colorful yard decorations her family provided for her enjoyment. The excitement in her voice when she opened a gift was heartwarming and brought pleasure to the giver. Shirley loved it when a niece from another state recently brought her little boy to visit. She loved little children and had an avid interest in others, often inquiring about their families and how they were doing. Shirley liked to reminisce about when Jackie and Cindy were little and to recall the events in their lives growing up. She also always carried an interest and concern for "Big Jack". A special delight in Shirley's life was visiting her nephew, Marvin, and his wife, Ingrid, and their son, Mark, in Missouri. While there, she loved to go fishing and to attend the seed festival in Mansfield, MO.
Shirley's brother, Frankie Phillips, remains a testament to the bonds of family she held dear. Though her sisters Barbara Wolf, Bonnie Johnston, and Loretta Hawk, and her parents Frank and Ruth Phillips, predeceased her, the memories they shared continue to resonate through stories told at family gatherings.
Rest in peace, Shirley. Thank you for all the joys you brought into our lives, and for the love you shared. It lights our way.