Donna Jean Sprouse

Donna Jean Sprouse, 80, passed away March 14, 2026, in Salina, Kansas.

Donna was born on August 20, 1945, in Walsenburg, Colorado to Charles Francis Rader and Lulu May (Campbell) Rader. She graduated as Valedictorian from Ordway High School in Ordway Co. and then from Adams State College in Alamosa, Co. She married William Sprouse on her birthday in 1964. As a military wife, she lived in Colorado at Fort Carson and Colorado Springs; in Germany at Augsburg, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt; and in Kansas at Enterprise and Abilene. They traveled all over Europe with their young family. After William retired from the Army, they returned to Ordway, and Donna worked for the Ordway Postal Service for 23 years before retiring. The last few years she has lived near her sons in Beech Bluff, Tennessee; Hico, Texas; and Salina, Kansas.

She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, cake decorating, and playing pinochle. She entered and won many recipe contests throughout the years. Her recipes showed up on Twinkie boxes and in magazines. She even traveled to a National Dandelion Competition in Ohio. She loved being a grandmother, and she could often be seen with a baby in her arms.

She was an active member of the the church of Christ. She served as a children’s bible class teacher. She supported preachers and children’s homes, and she was the first to volunteer for any activity of the church.

Donna is survived by her children, William (Carrie) of Enterprise, Kansas, Robert (Kathy) of Salina, Kansas, Steven (Heidi) of Beech Bluff, Tennessee, and Jeremy (Erynn) of Dublin, Texas; grandchildren, Cy, Ryan (Sara), Trey (Blake) Vercher, Thea (Nicholas) Hagnauer, Hunter (Reilly), Alexander (Mackenzie), Hannah, Caleb, Jaden, Isaiah, Isaac, Ean, Joseph, and Evelyn; great-grandchildren, Carter, Caysen, Chloe, Hayden, and Noah; Brothers, Larry Rader and John Rader; sisters, Joyce Witt, Linda Wind, and sister in law Jewel Rader; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband William, father Charles Francis Rader, mother Lulu May, brother Billy Rader, and sister Betty Lucero.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rocky Ford Church of Christ, 518 S. Main St., Rocky Ford, CO 81067.

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