Grace Lesta Sprenger, 85, Founder of Sprenger Retirement Center
Grace Lesta Sprenger (nee Thompson), 85 years of age, and a resident of Amherst, passed away Monday, July 8, 2002 at Amherst Manor Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.She was born February 24, 1917 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan where she was raised. She has been an Amherst resident since 1959.
She was a trained nurse and a nursing home administrator. In 1959, she started Amherst Manor Nursing Home, which later became Sprenger Retirement Center, serving until her retirement in 1993.
Survivors include her sons, Walter Sprenger of Texas, Anthony Sprenger of Amherst, Donel Sprenger of Vermilion, and Daniel Sprenger of California; fourteen grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ethel Springer in 1943.
Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hemple Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave. Amherst. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. Stephanie Bikel, pastor of Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ, will officiate.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Cleveland Chapter, 12200 Fairhill Rd., Cleveland 44120.