Ann Spradling
Ann Spradling (nee Pattillo)
February 4, 1925 – September 29, 2012
Ann was raised in Fordyce and Little Rock, Arkansas. She excelled in school. She graduated from the University of Arkansas and taught school before meeting her future husband, Gene Spradling. Ann and Gene were married and moved to Missouri where they raised three sons. They were married for almost 65 years.
Ann provided a warm and loving home for her family, and then returned to teaching in the Webster Groves public schools for 10 years. In her retirement years, Ann and Gene traveled internationally, partook in over 30 Elderhostel programs, and enjoyed visiting their grandchildren. Ann volunteered for Shriners Hospital for Children and Meals on Wheels. Ann and Gene’s special pleasure was volunteering for twenty years at Missouri Botanical Garden. Ann was a Presbyterian her entire life, having served as Sunday school teacher, superintendent and elder at Westminster, South Webster and Glendale Presbyterian churches.
Ann was passionate about education and an avid reader. She never failed to speak boldly in favor of public education. She recently read biographies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and John Danforth.
Ann was pre-deceased by her husband Gene in January. She is survived by her sons: John of Syracuse, NY, Jim and wife Valerie of Teaneck, NJ, Philip of Pasadena, CA, sister Sue Brothers of Tulsa OK, grandchildren: Jessica and Richard, and many nieces and nephews. She delighted in keeping in touch with them and loved hearing about their lives and what they were currently reading.
A Memorial Service will be held at Laclede Groves Chapel on October 13th at 10:30 AM, reception following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ann’s name to Missouri Botanical Garden: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/donate/tributes-and-memorials.aspx
I was blessed to know Ann through her sister Sue in Tulsa, Oklahoma but mainly through Beth Brothers her niece in Tulsa,Ok. She would write and get letters from Ann and enjoyed time with them and the other family members. I saw pictures and heard many stories. We prayed together when there were some very hard times. Beth enjoyed Gene and his sense of humor. Beth will be driving her and Sue as they have done before to remember her and have time with family. Beth talks of how important it is to keep in touch with relatives as the families change. I send prayer and thoughts that way and will miss the Ann I knew through her family and memories. God Bless. Barbara Neubauer
I appreciated the beautiful obituary. It helped me recall the many and varied activities that were so meaningful in Ann’s life. She accepted the difficulties of the later years without complaining, and the unwanted limitations without bitterness toward anyone. I had a wonderful sister, and her beautiful spirit will remain with me until we meet again in God’s eternal home.
We love you, Mom.
I offer my heartfelt condolences even as
I celebrate the life of your very speciall
mother. I’m gratefful she no longer has
to cope wiith the limitations of her life.
She adored her family and frequnetly spoke of you. My life has been blessed by knowing her. I have a beautiful memor of the time we shared on Thursday before her death. Blessings
MY VERY KIND AUNT WAS ALWAYS HAPPY AND GLAD TO SEE YOU. SHE WROTE A LITTLE BOUND BOOK ABOUT MY GRANDMOTHER IT WAS AWESOME AND VERY FUNNY. SHE RAISED 3 FINE COUSINS AND ALL 3 JOHN , JIM , PHILLIP ARE TO BE LOOKED UP TO AND COULD MENTOR ANYONE. I MISS ALL THE FAMILY WHO HAVE PASSED BUT THERE ALL TOGETHER IN HEAVEN CELEBRATING. THANK YOU JESUS!!