Martha Sprugel Thompson
August 30, 2009
Martha S. Thompson, 88, of Johnston, Iowa peacefully joined her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2009. Martha was born on March 13, 1921 in Williams, Iowa. She was baptized at Williams United Methodist Church, where she attended until her marriage to Archie Thompson in 1943. Martha attended school in Williams, Iowa and graduated in 1938. Following high school, she attended Waldorf Junior College in Forest City, Iowa and graduated with a two-year degree from Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls, Iowa in 1940. She later received her B.S. from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa in 1971.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years, Archie Thompson; her parents, George Sprugel, Sr. and Frances (Strong) Sprugel; three brothers, Dr. George Sprugel, Jr., John Sprugel and Dr. Charles Sprugel; two sisters, Frances Hollingsworth and Alice Ose; an infant sister and infant grandson.
Martha took pride in and dearly loved her entire family. She is survived by her three children, son Dennis (Kathryn) Thompson of Aledo, TX; daughters, Allene "Cookie" (Jerry) Cranston of Johnston, IA and Nancy (Jerry) Kastengren of Dublin, OH; five grandchildren, Carrie (Brenden) Stephens of Urbandale, IA, Scott (Olympia) Kastengren of Portland, OR, Gregg Kastengren of Mansfield, OH, Matthew Thompson of Abilene, TX, Jennie (Clint) Leonard of Rathdrum, ID; five great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Gracie and Lindsay Stephens, Noah Kastengren and Carson Leonard; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and friends. She will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Martha and her siblings enjoyed small-town life in Williams, Iowa, and she lovingly reminisced about her roots until the very end. One of her fondest memories was playing three-court basketball as jumping center and forward. She was coached in high school by Al Comito and Martha Shedd, wife of author and lecturer Charlie Shedd. Martha played college basketball as well. Later, spectator sports were a passion, particularly college basketball and football.
Martha's love of children and learning led her to a 32-year career of teaching in elementary schools. She prided herself in helping reluctant readers become avid readers. Her career began in Hamilton County Township 4 and Township 7 rural schools and continued in Williams, Boone Valley, Jefferson, Alta and Belle Plaine, Iowa. Upon retirement, Martha and her husband thoroughly enjoyed seven years in Mission, Texas, where she continued teaching as a substitute.
More of Martha's passions were cooking, baking and being a gracious hostess. She was a fabulous cook and was happiest when she could share her cuisine with others. She was truly in her element when she was in her kitchen. Various favorite family recipes were usually in her luggage when she traveled.
Martha's greatest love was her family! She also especially enjoyed libraries, reading and word searches; fishing; picnics; and her e-mail station.
Martha's family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Tyler Casey, Dr. David Saggau, Dr. Mark Bissing and Dr. Mark Burdt, Iowa Health Home Care, Iowa Health Hospice, and her dear friends for their exceptional care and support as her health failed. Other caregivers included Suzi Anderson, Teri Christiansen, Janice Johnson and Connie Thompson.
Visitation with Martha's family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. A celebration of her life will be held at Williams United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Burial of cremated remains will be at Williams Township Cemetery following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Health Hospice, 11333 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50322 or the Williams City Library, 216 Main St., Williams, IA 50271
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Sally Curley
09/04/2009
Nancy,
I just wanted to extend deepest sympathies to you and your family on your loss. These things, even if anticipated, are never easy.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs,
Sally
Deb Stevens
09/04/2009
Dear Denny, Cookie and Nancy,
I hope you find peace in the memories Martha left behind. It is a tribute to you all and to the love of your family that the three of you have spent so much time together helping Martha in her final days.
She leaves a legacy that lives through each of you - and through all the lives she touched. To this day, I still make one of my favorite cookies that I first tasted from a batch she brought to Texas. Rice Crispies are the secret ingredient.
With love,
Deb
Wichita Falls, Texas
Betty Blumenauer
09/01/2009
I'm so sorry for the loss your family must endure with the passing of Martha. How proud she must have been to have such a beautiful family. I've been privleged to get to know Nancy and she exemplifies, love and a deep Christian faith. That had to come from Mom. As they say the apples don't fall far from the tree. Martha's friends and all who were lucky enough to know her are feeling her loss. God Bless you all and may he give you strength.
Darlene Sillick
09/01/2009
Dear Nancy and family,
First, I sincerely have had you and your mom and family in my prayers and thoughts daily over the last few weeks. I hope that all of you are finding peace and pride in the love and care you all gave to Martha. The write up was so well done and it says so much about Martha and all she contributed to her community and to the ones she loved so much.
Second, I wanted to share that I have been raising Monarch' to release in honor of my mother who died two years ago and loved all wildlife expecially butterflies. Last Sat. morning, one emerged from his beautiful crysalis and I released it in honor of Martha. At mom's memorial celebration, all the grandchildren and great grandchildren were able to release them on a sunny, breezy Sept. day.
And lastly, there are many ways to honor your mother and prayer and time will help to heal the pain and loss of today. For me, a place, something someone says, even how the sun is shining or a gentle gesture or smell in the kitchen will remind me of my mom. I wish you peace, the love of a beautiful family and beautiful memories for you in the days to come.
Please know I am thinking of you.
Warmly,
Darlene
Gay Sowers
09/01/2009
Nancy and family,
I'm very sorry for your loss and want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Martha's obituary shows me she led a full and wonderful life, one that's certain to leave great memories with all the family and friends she cherished.
I hope all the wonderful memories of Martha and the support of friends will help sustain you in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Gay
Isabel Kastengren
08/31/2009
Dear Nancy, Cookie & Denny & familiea:
I want you to know how much I enjoyed your Mom. She was a good friend & a lovely person. Although we didn't get to visit much these past few years except by E-mail, I thought of her often. Janice kept me informed recently of her condition & she was in my prayers.
I probably won't be able to come to her services, but will give a memorial to the Williams City Library in her name as I know she enjoyed reading.
Peace be to her name.
Love, Isabel
Diane Cenname
09/01/2009
Nancy, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that many people care about you and are thinking about you.
Lori Berlin
09/01/2009
Dear Nancy, Jerry and family -
My sincere heartfelt sympathies to all of you. My prayers are with you and I hope that you will find peace in all the loving memories of your dear mother. I enjoyed the stories and was glad that I had the privelege of meeting her. She is at peace and with God now. May He heal your pain as you go through the grieving process.
Love,
Lori