Susan Kay Sprouse
May 04, 2022
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Service Details
Susan Kay Sprouse
Of Des Moines, Iowa
Susan “Sue” Sprouse, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. She was born the daughter of Norris and Mary (Smart) Schoonover on March 28, 1953 in Waterloo, Iowa.
Sue spent her childhood years in the Waterloo/Hudson area in Iowa. Sue was a daddy’s girl and tragically lost him when she was six due to a heart attack. She had three cousins (Nancy, Karen and Mary) that she always said were like her sisters. Sue had so many fond memories of spending time and growing up alongside them. She also had an older brother Ron and her cousin David to share her childhood with.
After graduating from Hudson High School, Sue’s college career started at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls. She obtained her LPN degree from DMACC in 1976.
It was at Ellsworth that she met the love of her life, Mark. They quickly became great friends, which blossomed into a romance. Mark and Sue were married on April 25th, 1976, and went on to have two children, Dirk and Gabrielle. Sue was so proud of the family Mark and she built!
Sue had an amazing work ethic and gave everything she could to her employers. She started her career working in the nursing field with various healthcare employers as an LPN, focused on caring for the elderly. She enjoyed working with people and assisting them with their needs. She took a different career path in 1983 when she decided to work for Norwest Bank in the payment processing department. Sue also went back to school in the early 90’s to earn a certificate in phlebotomy. She used this education to obtain a part time job as a phlebotomist. She really enjoyed incorporating her previous love of working in healthcare with her full-time job at Norwest. Then, in 1995, she underwent a total career change and began working for Bridgestone/Firestone. During her time there, she worked in various occupations from receiving to stock cutting. Sue appreciated that this new path provided her with the opportunity to learn completely new skills. She was well liked around the plant for her cheery disposition and humorously sarcastic nature. Sue retired from Bridgestone in 2020 after 25 years of service.
Sue had a passion for spending time at the Downtown Farmer’s Market. She was down there nearly every week when it opened, eager to eat some fresh food, check out some jewelry and pet some dogs. Gabrielle and Mark often accompanied her, but she was perfectly happy strolling the market by herself. She never met a stranger, so she knew many of the vendors and loved to catch up with her favorites. Sue also enjoyed reading, watching movies, listening to music (she had very eclectic taste, ranging from Classical to County to Rock and even some Rap!), attending craft shows and shopping. She loved going to theaters to catch the newest films and she always made it an experience with ALL the snacks!
Sue loved everything sparkly and gaudy! She always said, “You can never have too many sequins or glitter!” That flair in her attire matched her attitude and outlook on life. She had a big personality with a wardrobe to back it up.
Sue loved all of her family, but her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. In 2013 she became a Grandma to Henry (Dirk’s son) and Spencer (Gabrielle’s son), born three weeks apart. She was on cloud nine and began spoiling those boys immediately! Dirk added another grandchild in 2016 with his daughter Charlie and Gabrielle had twin boys in 2018. Sue’s love for all five of these children was immense. She adored putting together gift packages for them every holiday. The kids were always full of love and adoration for their Grandma Sue or “Mammo!”
Words cannot adequately express the intensity of loss felt by her family and friends who love her so deeply. She brought so much joy and light to so many and will be sorely missed.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband Mark Sprouse; daughter Gabrielle (Ben) Innis; son Dirk Sprouse; brother Ron Schoonover; grandchildren Henry, Spencer, Charlie, Samuel and Parker.
Sue was preceded in death by her mother Mary and father Norris.
Visitation will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2022, with funeral service following at 5:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.
Those planning on an expression of sympathy, please direct your memorials to the family.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bob and Nancy Rhone
05/20/2022
Just found out. So very sorry for your loss. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Horning
05/12/2022
To the family...I am so sad to hear of your loss. I worked at Firestone many years with Sue and enjoyed our many conversations. She was very kind and fun. So many will miss her. Hugs to all of you as you go through these next weeks and beyond without her in your life.
Christin Morton (Stamper)
05/11/2022
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sue's passing. I worked with Sue and Mark both at Norwest and Mark once it changed hands to Wells Fargo.
Sue had a very witty sense of humor and was liked by everyone that new her. She adored her husband, children, and grandchildren.
My deepest condolences and a heavy heart go out to Mark, Dirk, Gabrielle and all of those feeling the pain of this terrible loss. I will keep you in my prayers always.
Michelle Koepke (Stamper)
05/11/2022
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sues passing. I worked with Mark at Norwest. We worked in the same department for few years. Both of them were always very kind to me. Though its been many years since Ive seen him or his family. My deepest condolences and a heavy heart go out to Mark, Dirk, Gabrielle and all of those feeling the pain of this terrible loss.
Tracy & Coral Trenhaile
05/09/2022
Mark, Dirk, and Gabrielle, so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. I worked with Sue at Norwest back in the early 90's. She was a very dedicated and hard working lady. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Phil Bale
05/09/2022
So sorry to hear about Sue. When you were first married, I could tell how special she was. Always remember the good times.
Linda kirstein
05/08/2022
So very sorry for your families loss. May memories bring peace to your broken hearts.
Rob James
05/07/2022
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sues passing. I knew her through my employment at Norwest Bank. Her husband Mark and I worked in the same department. Both of them were always very kind to me. Though its been many years since Ive seen them, Ive never forgotten that. My deepest condolences go out to Mark, Dirk, Gabrielle and all of those feeling the pain of this terrible loss.
Linda L Lange
05/07/2022
She was a very dear friend. We worked together at Firestone for many years driving forklifts. She loved my dog I had. We went to several events together. Had a lot of fun with her witty comments and selfless personality. I will miss her dearly.