Elsie Mae Springer

Elsie was born to Ella (Baldwin) and Charles Gearhart on April 30, 1939, in Spokane. She was welcomed by her older sister and brothers, Mabel, Wally, and Stan, and followed by brother Ray. Elsie attended Rogers High School.

The Springer farm, where Wayne and Elsie made their home for 30 years, was a special place. Elsie’s love of nature and animals was evident, from ducks she raised along Marshall Creek to the delight of hundreds of hummingbirds she would attract to her deck. She lit up around any dog and adored her English Bulldogs and Toy Poodles.

Elsie enjoyed hosting gatherings, especially visits with her family. Countless memories were made with her at her kitchen table over a cup of coffee or being challenged to a game of Mexican Train Dominoes.

Wayne and Elsie enjoyed time on the road in their motor home visiting family and friends. They also spent six weeks in Norway exploring Springer family history and visiting relatives.

Elsie was selfless, always caring for others before herself. She worked hard and liked everything in her home to be organized and in its rightful place. Fiercely independent and occasionally stubborn, Elsie was always fun to spend time with and brought joy and love to everyone who knew her.

Elsie leaves behind a great legacy of love in her family: Daughter Robin (Gayle), and her son and daughter with Bob O’Leary, Scott (Christine) and Cindy (Randy); step-children Debbie (Tab), Carrie (Jim), Becky (Lee), and Kevin (Christy); seventeen grandchildren, and multiple great-grandchildren.

She is also survived be her sister Mabel Sims and brother Ray Gearheart.

A celebration of Elsie’s life will be Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church, 440 W. Cora Ave., Spokane, WA.