Aretta May Sprintels

Aretta May Sprintels passed away peacefully in her daughter and son-in-law's home in Lynnwood on May 6, 2010. Born in Seattle on January 17,1923 to Adamore and Willie Heppell, Aretta was the youngest of 5 children. She was born and raised in Ballard and lived most of her life in Seattle. Married for 56 years, she was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, in 2005. She is survived by her children, Carol McNiven-Seymour (Vince) and Louellen Boettger; 5 grandchildren, Scott McNiven (Amie), Cheryl Werda (Tom), Todd and Forrest Boettger and Danielle Sylvia; and 8 great-grandchildren, Richard and Haylee McNiven, and Taleah, Josiah, Bethany and iona Werda, Sam and Lillian Boettger; and many nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Ballard High School and worked for The Boeing Company during WWII and later for Alaska Communications Systems in Seattle. In later years she worked in daycare at Mountlake Christian School. She also took care of children in her home for several years (new born to Kindergarten age) and became "grandma" to many of those children.

Aretta was an expert seamstress and did beautiful embroidery, crocheting and knitting. Besides crafts, Aretta was a seasoned fisherman and fished the Puget Sound waters and up at Neah Bay for salmon. She was only 10 years old when she caught her first salmon in Shilshole Bay - a 20 pound King. Besides fishing, she loved crabbing and clamming.

Aretta was a friend to many and will be remembered for her warmth and beautiful smile. She loved our Lord Jesus Christ and knew she would be reunited with Henry and other family and friends when the Lord called her home.

Acknowledgement

Words could never express how deeply we appreciate the cards, prayers and expressions of sympathy and love. We also appreciate your presence at this memorial service. God bless each and everyone.