Bernice Sprout

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa. - Bernice Sprout, 85, of Shinglehouse, passed away Friday (Oct. 16, 2015) in Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford, after a long illness.
Born Oct. 17, 1929 in Columbia, Mo., she was a daughter of Ernest A. Wren and Dora Bell McClain Wren Huston. On Jan. 3, 1945, in San Bernadino, Calif., she married Joseph E. Sprout, who passed away on Aug. 23, 1990.
In 1955, along with her husband, Mrs. Sprout founded Sprout's Drug Store in Shinglehouse, working side by side with her beloved husband until his death. At age 65, Mrs. Sprout studied with her daughter, Cynthia, and her granddaughter, Leah, to earn her certified pharmacy technician designation. She continued working at the pharmacy until her retirement at age 84. Mrs. Sprout was blessed to work with three generations of pharmacists from her family - her husband, Joe, her son, J. Ray, and granddaughter, Kari, and also family members Cynthia, Leah and Rachel.
Mrs. Sprout was a very active member of the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse since 1955, serving in many capacities throughout the years including teaching Sunday School and singing in the church choir, which she dearly loved. She also participated in numerous mission trips, traveling to Central America to spread the Gospel message. She modeled her faith to her family and by her example instilled in them the importance of faith and family. She shared her love of music with her entire family, precipitating their love of music. She spent countless hours transporting her children and grandchildren to piano lessons. She enjoyed square dancing, sewing and knitting. Her greatest love was spending time with her grandchildren and hosting numerous "girl parties." She especially loved taking care of her great-granddaughter, Myra Sprout, "the baby."
Surviving are three children, Howard E. (Karen) Sprout of Bloomfield, Conn., Cynthia L. (Steven) Bell of Shinglehouse and Joseph Ray (Ruth) Sprout of Portville, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Joanna M. Sprout of Bloomfield, Ct., J. Andrew (Erin) Bell of Chambersburg, Leah (Rich) Graves of Olean, N.Y., Rachel L. Bell of Shinglehouse, Dr. Kari M. Sprout, Brandi N. Sprout, Courtney J. Sprout and Shawna R. Sprout, all of Portville; five great-grandchildren, Timothy J. Bell, Lauren L. Bell, Joel R. Graves, Madalynn J. Graves and Myra H. Sprout; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a loving niece, Shirley Ann Goodman of Centralia, Mo.; and a special friend, Dr. Maike Copeland of Winston-Salem, N.C.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Sprout was predeceased by her devoted sister and friend, Geraldine Swartz; and two brothers.
Friends are invited to call from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 25, 2015) at the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, where a celebration of Mrs. Sprout's life will follow at 5 p.m., with the Rev. Russell J. Horning, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Muncy Cemetery, Muncy, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 68, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Mrs. Sprout's family has entrusted her care to the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or to share a fond memory of Mrs. Sprout, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com.