Tracy Courtright

Tracy Lynn Courtright (1962–2025)
Tracy's greatest joy was acting as mentor, advisor, advocate, and fierce protector of countless grateful women throughout her life. Women were naturally drawn to her strength, courage, and unapologetic attitude. She lived her life on her own terms, and always as a force to be reckoned with! Tracy Lynn (Sprague) Courtright, 63, of Scottsdale, Arizona, died at home on December 20th, 2025.
She was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on April 9th, 1962, to Vernon Lee and Caren Ingred (Costello) Sprague, who instilled in her a fierce independent streak. She was a military kid, moving from Ishpeming, to Bitburg, Germany, then Austin, Texas, before finally settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She enjoyed working at Zinn's Bakery after school, where she developed her lifelong passion for baking. After high school she completed her "$143 Welding Education." She was proud of her extraordinary welding skills and ability to TIG weld gum wrappers, later mentoring other students in the technical welding program.
Tracy started her career as a high rise welder on Las Vegas casinos. As the only woman on the crew, she was frequently harassed and threatened but fiercely held her ground, sometimes welding guys toolboxes to trusses! She quickly developed a reputation for her welding skills in this male-dominated field. When offered a position in sales, she transitioned from remarkable welder to unforgettable sales rep. She developed a reputation as the "27-second salesman," often starting her pitch with, "Just give me 27 seconds to tell you about...". Her reputation in sales grew due to her exceptional knowledge of all things welding and welding gases, progressing to specialty gas sales. She loved to say, "I sell noxious, toxic, poisonous, corrosive gases for a living, want to test me?" Near the end of her career she sold medical grade gases, simultaneously managing medical gas branches in Phoenix and Tucson. Her employees adored her.
Tracy met the love of her life, Roy, at Olde Tymers Cafe in Albuquerque. He was her bartender, working his way through engineering school then, and always said she had to marry him to get her tip money back! They started their relationship as close friends, which blossomed into a deep and lasting love. Roy was living in Albuquerque, went to visit Tracy in Scottsdale, and never left! Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on the island of Saint Lucia in 2001. They quickly established a reputation for hosting a multitude of friends during Spring Training, and Tracy made sure her guests were always provided a "five-star" experience.
Tracy loved entertaining, hosting phenomenal dinner parties and annual bashes for a myriad of grateful friends. Her favorite was the holiday Cookie Party, for which she would bake thousands of cookies each year as a gift to her lady friends. Her New Year's Day Posole parties, and Saint Patrick's Day parties featuring her renowned corned beef, were also eagerly anticipated.
Tracy was a magnet to women of all ages and walks of life. She especially loved mentoring her younger "Zsa Zsa Babies." She had a natural gift for drawing women into her orbit. She fixed their problems without saying a word. She made them laugh when laughter wasn't an option. She made them stronger for themselves so they could be strong for the world. She pampered them with kindness when no one was looking because that's what angels do.
Tracy is survived by her loving husband Roy of 25 years, her sister Teryl Fadgen (Bill), of Albuquerque, New Mexico, nephew Thomas (Connie), and niece Colleen, also of Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her mother Caren and beloved stepfather Art Swain.
A magnificent Celebration of Life is now in the planning stages to provide an opportunity for all of Tracy's beloved family and friends to come together and share their favorite Tracy stories. Stay Tuned! In the meantime, donations to Kneading Kitty's Rescue (kneadingkittysrescueaz.com/) would be greatly appreciated.