Grace Margaret Larson Sprecker of Topeka, 97, formerly of Manhattan, went to be with her Lord Jesus on Thursday, October 8, 2009,
Grace was born March 2, 1912 in Walsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Idaline Hawkinson Larson. She was raised in rural Walsburg, graduated from high school in Leonardville, Kansas, and later earned her teaching certificate.
She taught school at Walsburg and Randoph prior to her marriage to Wilbur Sprecker. Wilbur and Grace were the first couple to be married in the Reinisch Rose Garden in Gage Park in Topeka, on June 1, 1937. Wilbur passed away in 1999, after they had been married over 62 years.
Grace was a committed Christian, and a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Manhattan, Kansas, where she and her husband were actively involved for many years. She more recently attended Fairlawn Nazarene Church in Topeka, Kansas. Her living faith was an inspiration to her entire family. We know the Lord was anxious to have her with Him, and His Timing is Perfect.
Her gentle manner endeared her to all ages, and her smile left a little piece of her with every person she met.
She is survived by three daughters and two sons, Beverly (Larry) Lobitz of Monticello, AR, Phyllis (Richard) Nelson of Topeka, Kansas, Sandra Bennett of Oklahoma City, OK, Gaylen (Diana) Sprecker of Olathe, Kansas, and Boyd (Renee) Sprecker of Oklahoma City, OK, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by infant son Thane, her husband Wilbur, and two sisters and a brother, Elvera Richardson, Viola Thompson, and Woodrow Larson.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2009, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Manhattan. Burial will follow at the Leonardville United Methodist Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, 3031 Kimball Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Pennwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family with arrangements.