Spokesman Classifieds

Leon Eric Sproule, 75, embarked on his unexpected journey onward on December 6, 2023. A longtime resident of Chattaroy, Washington, for 40 years, Leon's roots traced back to his birth state of Wyoming but spent his childhood in South Dakota before finding his permanent home in the Pacific Northwest. During his remarkable life, Leon dedicated a decade to Westinghouse, crisscrossing the country to install and repair hydroelectric generators, including memorable stints at the Grand Coulee Dam and in Venezuela. His commitment to service continued as he managed the Upriver Dam for the City of Spokane for 20 years until retirement. Post-retirement, Leon continued to pursue his passions and love of learning by earning his PE License, teaching at Gonzaga University, and spent much time deepening his understanding of Shamanism and shared his wisdom through teaching shamanic healing classes for more than 20 years. Leon was a true believer in serving the community, leading him to support various organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Unity Church, and Second Harvest Food Bank by establishing an annual disc golf food drive on his farmstead, and serving as the local chapter board president for the Back Country Horsemen of Deer Park. He remained very active right up until his death, spending much time on the green, horseback riding, maintaining his beloved farm, cheering on the Zags, and enjoying time with family and friends. Prior to departing this earth, Leon achieved a life-long dream of becoming a published author of his own book. Through his professional, philanthropic, and spiritual endeavors, Leon’s wife, Virginia Carter, was right along his side for much of the ride. Leon was an avid supporter of his wife’s artistic career which took the family across the country. Married for 41 years, they shared two sons, Chris Carter and Terrence Sproule. He is survived by his beloved wife, sons, daughter-in-law, beautiful grandchildren, his siblings, and a community of friends. He will be greatly missed. His impact on his community and loved ones will be remembered with fondness and gratitude. A celebration of Leon's life will be held on May 18th at the farm (if you know, you know). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Second Harvest food bank.

Spokane — Dona Marie Caldwell (Kessinger, Neilsen), 90, of Spokane, passed away on January 29, 2024. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Wayne and Teresa (Vancouver), Bert and Becky (Spokane), Cindy (Spokane), Theresa and Bart (Elk); and numerous grandchildren; and out to great-great-great-grandchildren. A bring-your-own lunch celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 11 at Franklyn Park from 12 pm-3 pm. We will be in the south/west corner of the park. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the charity of your choice. We remember Dona for the love and care she showed to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who know her.

Spokane Valley — He was born to William and Bernice Springer on February 20, 1948. Charles attended West Valley High School and graduated in 1966. He then pursued a Music Major at Eastern Washington University. In his career, Charles was a choir director before starting his lifelong career at International Baking Corporation ( Wonder Bread ) in 1970. As shipping supervisor, Charles retired from Wonder Bread in 2000 when the facility closed. He was dedicated to his work and providing for his family. Charles was a kind, devoted man with a gentle soul. He was known for his sense of humor and his contagious laugh. He was quiet and loved to sneak up on people and startle them. He adored animals and found joy in their company. A lover of gardening, music, painting, and chess, Charles found solace and creativity in these hobbies. He enjoyed tending to his garden and expressing himself through art and music. Charles was also a wonderful craftsman and handyman. He always came up with unique ways of fixing things. Charles is survived by his two sons, Robert and his wife Jackie, Martin, and partner Christopher; his daughter, Charlene; and sister, Audrey Marsh; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia L. Springer; his parents; and brothers, Alan and Willard Springer. Charles will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hospice House of Spokane.

Kaia Beth Ottersen, our beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 66. Kaia's vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her, and her memory will forever remain a cherished part of those she leaves behind. Born on March 14th, 1958, to Robert and Jackie Reilly in Great Falls, MT., Kaia was one of nine children. She attended Billings Senior High School and graduated in 1976. She married Henry Norris Ottersen on December 1, 1977, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Kaia and her family moved to Spokane, WA, in 1983, where she raised her three children (Guy, Crystal, and Riley) and eventually worked her way into management at Metropolitan Mortgage. She worked tirelessly on raising her family, working and coaching sports. Her love of the outdoors and adventure eventually led her to Alaska and then to Western Washington. Kaia enjoyed fishing, swimming, camping, and music. Family was at the center of Kaia's world and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. Her unwavering support and affection brought joy and comfort to those closest to her. She was a pillar of strength and inspiration for her family. Kaia's life was filled with love and a profound sense of empathy. Known to many as "Mom," she was often found feeding small armies of her children's friends while also providing care and shelter to anyone in need. Her unwavering compassion shone through in every aspect of her life, whether she was comforting a loved one or helping them find their way. Kaia is survived by her loving husband, Henry Ottersen; her cherished children, Guy and Crystal Ottersen; and her beloved grandchildren, Drew, Jaden, and Jacob Ottersen. She is also survived by her loving mother, Jackie Reilly-Hoff, and her brothers Charles, Patrick, Timothy, Gerald, Kelly, John Reilly, as well as her sisters, Roberta Fischer and Kayce Wharton, and many nieces and nephews. Kaia is now reunited in heaven with her beloved father, Robert Reilly, and her dear son, Riley Ottersen, both of whom left this world too soon. May their spirits now be joined together in eternal peace and love. Kaia Beth Ottersen will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though we mourn her passing, we take solace in the knowledge that her beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace.

(Age 82) On March 25th, 2024, we said goodbye to our beloved sister, aunty, teacher, friend, and associate: Janice Louise Franz. She meant so much to so many and, it is likely, her passing will create a void in our community that will be felt for years to come. Jan started teaching in 1966 and spent most of her career at Opportunity Elementary School in the Central Valley School District. She was proud to wear those Panda colors, but you can bet, under that Opportunity swag, there was a thick layer of Crimson and Gray. She loved each and every student who sat in her classroom over the several decades of her career. After Janice passed, her family found a bureau, in the attic, packed full of heartfelt letters and notes from many of the parents and students she served. Common to most of these communications were the words Fun, Love, and Patience. Janice was a professional and the mark of the best teachers is a well-designed lesson plan. Some of us remember Jan designing these plans, in the hot summer, beneath a thin layer of Cocoa Butter or, when cool breezes were blowing across Loon Lake, from the shelter of her screened-in cabin porch. Jan was a master of these lesson plans. The trick is to get the kids to engage, and feel a sense of excitement, anticipation, and curiosity. Carefully executed, a good lesson plan can make learning happen while the students least expect it. Of course, every master must have a masterpiece and Jan was no exception. Jan’s masterpiece was her life. She taught all of us so many important things, even when we least expected that she was teaching. She showed us, for example, that the Butterfly Effect is real and that little acts of love, caring, and generosity can flow through society and expand in force, exponentially, as they spread across the world. She did this time and again, on her own and through St. Luke’s Lutheran Church or as an active member of the PEO Sisterhood. Jan lived her faith and was prayerful, but she consistently helped God answer those prayers by turning them into actions. Jan taught her final lesson while under the palliative care of the wonderful staff at Sacred Heart Hospital. There she proved to us that the strongest, most enduring hearts are not built in the gymnasium but through the consistent and rigorous exercise of compassion. Janice is survived by her loving brother, Marvin Franz (Carol); niece, Lori Kaye; nephew, Scott Franz (Gale); Shawn & Randy Woodard; Gwenn & Bill Baer; and numerous cousins and second cousins across the Spokane-Cheney area. Please join us for a graveside memorial service at Spokane Memorial Gardens, 5909 Cheney – Spokane Road, on April 17th at 11:00 a.m.