Dorothy Jean Sprague
Obituary
Dorothy Jean Sprague (McWhorter), beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on May 15, 2025 in Renton, Washington after a short hospital stay.
Dorothy was born in Boise, Idaho on May 11, 1941. She was adopted shortly thereafter by Veldron and Jean McWhorter who brought her home to Pocatello, Idaho. Dorothy spent her grade school years in Rawlins, Wyoming where she learned to play piano. She would bring this love of music along with her piano into her future family home.
Dorothy attended high school in Arvada, Colorado. She graduated from Arvada Senior High school in 1959. She was very involved in student activities including marching band (playing both clarinet and oboe); International Relations Club (secretary); Thespian Club; Latin Club; Science Club; Senior Play (student director).
Dorothy attended Colorado State University for 2 years but needed to leave early due to a bout with mono. We believe she attended a business administrative program before being hired by the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, Colorado. Dorothy always spoke fondly of her years at the Rocky Mountain News and received praise for her shorthand taking skills.
In 1967 Dorothy began making frequent trips to Seattle as she and her future husband Harry began dating. They were married on December 21, 1968. Dorothy married into a family of five; three teenage boys and twin girls, two years old. Her courage and sense of adventure were on full display! She and Harry lived in Kent, Washington after they were married and stayed there for 27 years.
Dorothy was her children’s most devoted fan, attending all sporting events she could (home or away). She was such a big fan that she was awarded “Best Fan” by her daughters’ basketball coaches at the end of season banquet.
Dorothy showed a strong commitment to serving others and making her community a better place throughout her life. She was active in Campfire Girls for 15 years in Colorado and began volunteering for the Girl Scouts of America when she came to the Pacific Northwest. She served in many capacities including troop leader (Brownies and Juniors); Cookie Sales Chair; Troop Organizer at Woodmont Elementary; Associate Chairman and Chairman for the South Sound Association(1978). In her capacity as Chairman for the South Sound Association she oversaw 2000 scouts and 140 troops, providing support for leaders. She was awarded the Silver Totem (highest award given by the local council) in 1980, a Leadership Award in 1984, and the Thanks Badge (highest national honor awarded) in 1985.
Dorothy was passionate about researching her and Harry’s family origins. She spent decades visiting genealogical libraries, churches, graveyards and other sites looking for historical records of the family. She was able to trace the Sprague family back to the year 1525.
When Dorothy and Harry moved to Easton, Washington in 1990 Dorothy continued to volunteer for her community by serving on the local water district board and overseeing the installation of a new water system. As she was never one to let the grass grow under her feet, she also was involved in the Community Action Group, the Growth Management Act, and was an active part of the Easton food bank.
Dorothy was also a voracious reader most of her life. She loved a good mystery along with historical fiction. She was a valued volunteer in her daughters’ school libraries for many years. In fact, she was so well read that when the family played scrabble, no one dared to challenge any word she put down. We would learn she was just as good a bluffer.
Dorothy impacted so many lives with her commitment to making her community and this world a better place. So many women have commented on the difference she made in their lives. You will be missed Dorothy not just by family, but by all who you came in contact with. Rest in Peace, job well done.
Dorothy is survived by her children: Wesley Sprague (Donna Lurie), Clayton Sprague (Mary Rose), David Sprague (Nadine Crosby), Maureen Sprague, and Marlene Wright (Keith).
Grandchildren: Andrew Sprague (Nhu), Colin Sprague (Katie), Jennifer Sprague, Connor Wright (Melissa), Jarod Wright, and Sarah Wright
Great Grandchildren: Mia Armor, Finneas Sprague
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Harry Sprague and her sister Cherrie Coulon
Dorothy did not want a memorial service, but if you wish to make a donation in her honor, here are some of her favorite organizations:
Seattle Genealogical Society: https://seagensoc.org/
National Genealogical Society: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/
Western Washington Girl Scouts: https://https://www.girlscoutsww.org/
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- Harry and Dorothy Sprague on “Mystery Train” Excursion
We were great friends! Also cousin’s. She and my husband were the same age and date of their birthday.
Also she helped me with finding families in the past!