Olivia Elizabeth Sprouse

Olivia was the daughter of James M. Mallacove (a French national engineer) and Edith M. Melby (the daughter of Norwegian Lutheran immigrants who farmed in southwest Minnesota). At the age of 8, Olivia was orphaned when her mother died of cancer and her father was unable to find steady work during the Great Depression. She spent her formative years in a Rockford, IL Lutheran sponsored children’s home until her grandmother and uncles were able to bring Olivia back to the family farm outside Canby, MN for her final years of high school. Upon graduation, Olivia migrated to Los Angeles, CA where she worked during World War II for Douglas Aircraft as a “Rosie the Riveter” and subsequently married her husband of 65 years, George M. Sprouse.

In the early 1950’s, they settled in North Hollywood, CA and were active lifelong members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. In addition to being a homemaker, Olivia was also a U.S. Post Office sub-station clerk while becoming a proficient amateur bowler in various church and youth baseball leagues. She is survived by her children, Susan Stallings and Ken, daughter-in-law Debbie; and grandchildren, Brian and Christina Dashe.

Arrangements under the direction of Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary, Northridge, California.