Merle Sprenkle

Merle Marlene Sprenkle, age 78, of Springfield, formerly of Lamar, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Neighborhoods at Quail Creek where she was recovering from back surgery.         Merle was born May 13, 1939, in Lamar, Missouri, the only child of Walter and Mary (Clements) Haile.  She attended Forest Grove Rural School and graduated from Lamar High School in the spring of 1957.  On September 28, 1957, at the Boson Methodist Church, Merle married Charles E. Sprenkle and they made their home, raised their two children, and farmed in the Boston area.  In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Merle graduated from Pittsburg State University, fulfilling her dream of becoming a registered nurse.  Many will remember her from the many years she cared for patients at Barton County Memorial Hospital and later as a BCMH Home Health Nurse.  Always active in her community, she had been a member of Mount Hope Chapter 74 Order of Eastern Star, Calla Rebekah Lodge, and Jasper United Methodist Church.  After moving to Springfield in 2011, Merle transferred her membership to Asbury United Methodist Church, the Hartville Rebekah Lodge, and the Springfield Eastern Star.         On November 17, 2009, after sharing 52 years of marriage, Charles passed away.  Merle was also preceded in death by their daughter, Ann Martinez on December 29, 2012.       Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Brenda Sprenkle of Jasper, Missouri; two grandchildren, Carlos Martinez who lived with Merle, and Mandy Browning; three great-grandchildren, Iain Knotts, Brianna and Julia Browning; and a large extended family.       The family will receive friends following an Eastern Star service beginning at 6:00 pm Friday, July 14th at Daniel Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 15th at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.         Memorial contributions are suggested to The Christian Children’s Fund, in care of the funeral home.