Martha Frances Sprague

 Martha Frances Sprague of Raymore, MO, died February 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Visitation will be on Friday, March 7, at 1:00 p.m., at Longview Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12700 S.E. Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

Frances, as she was best known, was born July 22, 1931, to Thomas Henry Liverett, Jr. and Willie Mae (Duckworth) Liverett in Brevard, NC. At the age of 7, Frances’ paternal grandmother was appointed as her legal guardian. Except for two years in Washington D.C., Frances grew up and attended school in Brevard, graduating with an Associate’s Degree from Brevard College. Upon graduation, she and her grandmother moved back to Washington D.C. Frances went to work for the telephone company. Shortly after her move to Washington, while at a mixer with friends, Frances met Henry “Hank” Sprague, who was in the Air Force. They dated for a short time and were married September 10, 1949, in Camp Springs, MD. Hank received orders to report to Smoky Hills AFB in Kansas. They were in Kansas for three months when Hank was discharged. They then moved to Kansas City, Hank’s hometown. 

Hank started Aircraft and Engine school and joined the Air Force Reserves. During this time, they welcomed their first child, Larry, on January 6, 1951. Six months later, Hank was called to active duty and assigned to Westover AFB in Massachusetts. After a few months, new orders were received by Hank to report to Kindley AFB in Bermuda. Frances and Larry stayed with family until Hank found a home in Bermuda; at that time, they flew to Bermuda to join Hank. During their two years in Bermuda, the family grew with the addition of their daughter, Sharon, born November 8, 1952. In the spring of 1953, the Air Force sent them back to Salina, KS. After a few months, Hank was discharged for the final time. Hank and Frances made Kansas City their permanent home. Their third child, Michael, was born September 28, 1954. With the birth of Gary on June 21, 1957, their family was complete. While Hank made his career at TWA, Frances kept the household running smoothly. Frances was the biggest champion and staunchest defender of her children. Once the kids were all in school, Frances had time to enjoy activities that brought out her artistic side. She took ceramic classes for many years, creating seasonal decorations that became treasured gifts. Square dancing was an activity that she and Hank participated in for many years and made many new friends. She made all of her square dance dresses and Hank’s matching western shirts. In the early eighties, Frances began teaching herself to quilt, utilizing her sewing skills in a different hobby. The beautiful results are now treasured by her family.

 In April 2012, son Michael passed away unexpectedly. Mike wasn’t the best record keeper, but Frances picked up the pieces and spent the next eighteen months settling his estate, making sure that Tracy, her granddaughter, was taken care of as Mike had wanted. Frances was faced again with another test as Hank became quite ill in 2014. For eighteen months, Frances was by his side night and day. On October 29, 2016, Frances lost the love of her life. During the summer of 2020, with the family’s input, Frances decided to sell the family home and make the move to a retirement community. In November of 2020, Frances moved to Foxwood Springs in Raymore, MO. As time went on, Frances was losing the battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She fought hard and long to stay in her independent apartment, remaining feisty and spunky until the end. But in November of 2024, the family made the most difficult decision to move her into long term care. On February 7, 2025, Frances suffered another loss at the passing of her daughter, Sharon. This loss seemed to be too much for Frances, and on February 22, 2025, Frances died. The family would like to thank all of the staff and caretakers at Foxwood Springs for their kindness, concern and extra care for Frances during her four years there. 

 Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Hank Sprague, her son Michael Sprague, and her daughter, Sharon Covey. Frances is survived by her son, Larry Sprague and wife Patricia; son Gary Sprague and wife Teresa; grandchildren Rebecca Wright and husband Garrett, great-granddaughter Skye Wright; granddaughter Tracy Riley and husband Doug; grandson David Covey; grandson Michael Covey and girlfriend Courtney Thompson, and great-grandson Jason Bradley.