Denise I. Sprague

Denise I. Sprague of Essexville and formerly of Caro, age 61, passed away at her home on Monday, June 12, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. Denise was born April 25, 1956 in Port Huron, the daughter of the late Wells & Donna (Veen) Irvine. Her father passed away when Denise was only sixteen, and she later welcomed Ruben D. Hewitt as her step-father. She graduated from Akron-Fairgrove High School with the Class of 1974, and continued her studies at St. Clair Community College where she received her associate degree in nursing. She would later graduate from Ferris State University with her bachelor's degree (BSN), and finally from Saginaw Valley State University in 2000 with her master's degree (MSN). Denise was united in marriage with H. Duane Sprague on September 11, 1976 in Reese, and he survives her. She spent her nursing career at several area hospitals including Marlette Community Hospital, Bay Regional Medical Center, St. Mary's of Michigan, and Caro Community Hospital where she also served as Director of Nursing. Most recently, Denise worked as a nurse practitioner for Dr. Farrukh Anwar in Caro until limited by her health in 2003. Denise was an avid volunteer and participated in the Caro PTO, Caro Swim Club, Cub Scouts, Paws for a Cause, and Hospice Advantage in Lansing. Whatever spare time she had was often spent scrapbooking, crocheting or solving crossword puzzles. Her life revolved around her family, and she loved spending time with her grandkids. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, was a Certified Dive Master and enjoyed camping, travelling and recently took up kayaking. Left to cherish the memory of Denise are her husband, H. Duane Sprague of Essexville; three children and their spouses, Staci Sprague of Sebewaing, Melissa & Aaron Sofian of Essexville, Jeremy & Ali Sprague of Montrose; ten grandchildren; two brothers and their spouses, Steve & Cindy Irvine of Cass City, Andy & Karen Irvine of Brown City; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Denise was preceded in death by one sister, Holly Dinsmore. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with the Rev. Erv Hutter officiating. Burial will follow on Wednesday at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Thin Blue Line of Michigan. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, June 15, 2017 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Service Information Date: Friday, June 16, 2017 Time: 11:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with the Rev. Erv Hutter officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Great Lakes National Cemetery Address: 4200 Belford Rd. Holly, Michigan 48442 248-328-0386 | Map Burial will follow on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.