Frances Sprouse

Frances Kay “Frankie” (Steed) Sprouse, 78, passed to the eternal life promised by Jesus on Sunday, August 22, 2021, in Lee’s Summit, MO after a prolonged battle with the rare and progressive Sjogren’s Syndrome disease.

Known by her friends as “Frankie” in her youth and simply Kay as an adult, she was born in St. Louis, MO on April 9, 1943, to Oliver and Bertha Jayne Steed, both deceased.  Kay is survived by her husband of 55 years, Douglas Sprouse; sons Kevin (Irina) and Rodger (Erin) Sprouse; grandchildren Camden, Garrett, Payton, Ashley, Grayson, Lincoln, and Gabriel Sprouse; brother Richard (Ruth) Steed; and nephew and niece Christian Steed and Julie (Steed) Walsh.

Always true to her Christian faith, Kay very actively served Christ through many music ministries and outreach missions.  An early 1962 summer mission found 19-year-old Kay working with Doug at a staff retreat in an urban mission program for the St. Louis Presbytery; four years later, on June 11, 1966, they were married.  While Doug pursued a dual master’s degree in Divinity and Social Work in Chicago, Kay taught math at Old Orchard Middle School in Skokie, IL. (Kay’s “PHT” Degree)

In 1970, with Chicago newborn son Kevin, Kay and Doug moved to Topeka, KS, where Doug served as Associate Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church and where son Rodger was born.  In 1972, they moved to St. Joseph, MO, where Doug served as pastor for several churches over a period of 38 years.  Until both boys were in school, Kay was a stay-at-home mom and then returned to teaching math (and more than a few science courses as needed) at Central High School – a 28-year teaching career that ended with retirement in 2005.  Kay subsequently provided administrative support for Doug’s private counseling practice in St. Joseph and later Lee’s Summit.

Always a servant of her faith, Kay devoted untold hours to prison ministries, elder ministries, couples’ ministries, interracial ministries and as a tutor and mentor of children (of all ages)!  Kay’s leadership roles through multiple terms as a church elder/trustee, chair/member of numerous committees and Presbytery Committees caused many to seek her counsel and advice which brought the discerning voice of God’s word to communicate His love and grace for focused, accurate, and concise advice – a dual role of faith leadership AND a pastor’s wife – all while singing in the choir.

Travel (initially camping with their boys) throughout the country and the world (sometimes as part of their mission work) was a favorite activity. Most revered – the trip to Jerusalem.

The last 12 years living in Lee’s Summit have given Kay more opportunity for “grandma” time with Rodger’s family and even Kevin’s family in St. Louis until his recent move to Florida.  She was a very frequent spectator and “cheerleader” of grandkids’ sports, sports and more sports!  She even had a chance to see an occasional favored Cardinals Baseball game on family visits to St. Louis (Stan-the-Man Musial was HER man while growing up).

Kay, a 1961 Suma Cum Laude graduate of Lindbergh High School in St. Louis County, received a BS Degree in Mathematics with a Physics minor from Missouri Valley College in 1965.  She also earned 18 Master’s-level Mathematics hours at St. Louis University.

Kay lived her life focused on serving God and his children, and while she will be greatly missed, just thinking of her will bring fond memories to family and friends.

Memorial service will be held at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 13300 Kenneth Rd, Leawood, KS 66209 on September 1 at 11:00 AM, visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, an honorarium to a charity of your choice would be appreciated

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