Ella Mae Sprinkle

Ella Mae Sprinkle, 97, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO. Born on July 8, 1927, in Flint, Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of Emil and Helen (Rugen) Lange, who both preceded her in death.

On December 21, 1958, Mae married her soulmate, Donald Sprinkle, in Sedalia. They shared a loving partnership until his passing on July 5, 2020.

A devoted homemaker, Mae found joy in raising her four children and cherishing every moment spent with her grandchildren. Her vibrant spirit shone through in her love for dancing, bowling, and family trips to Las Vegas and Branson. Mae cherished family vacations, camping adventures, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, never missing a game. She found delight in classic television sitcoms and game shows, particularly The Golden Girls, M.A.S.H., The Price Is Right, and Wheel of Fortune. In her leisure, she enjoyed playing cards, word searches, and solitaire, always eager for a friendly challenge.

Mae is survived by her children: Paula Cook of Sedalia, Kenneth Sprinkle (Brenda) of Sedalia, and Donna Sprinkle of Sedalia; six grandchildren: Michelle Reid (Ryan), Katy McNelly, Angie Waldrep, Larry Sprinkle (Stephanie), Sarah Stubblefield (David), and Christopher Klein; sixteen great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mae was preceded in death by her son, Paul Sprinkle; granddaughter, Pam Sprinkle; and siblings Emil, Kenny, Cecil, Carl Lange, Helen Lutgen, and Malley Lange.

A celebration of Mae's remarkable life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins.

Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Honorary bearers include Ryan Reid, Larry Sprinkle, Christopher Klein, Nicholas Reid, Wyatt Waldrep, and Evan Waldrep.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bothwell Regional Health Center Foundation in Mae's honor.