Patricia "Patti" Marie Sponsler

Patricia "Patti" Marie Sponsler, 60, of Springfield, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2008, at her son's home. Patti was born November 28, 1947 in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph, Jr. and Marjorie Ray Shimkus. She was married to Robert J. Sponsler. He preceded her in death. Patti was a devoted member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. After graduating from Ursuline Academy and attending SCI and LLCC, Patti went on to work for the Illinois State Board of Higher Education, retiring after 33 years. Patti will be remembered as a generous and unselfish mother, dedicated to raising her children and taking care of others. She enjoyed tending to her flowerbed and going to auctions and garage sales. She loved collecting milk glass and antiques and some her favorite TV shows were Antique Roadshow, Dancing with the Stars, and Waiting for God. More than anything, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Patti was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marie Cody; and her step-mother, Emma Shimkus. She is survived by her children, Paula M. Sponsler and Shawn M. Behl of Springfield, Scott J. Sponsler of Salisbury, Stacey M. Horton and Stephanie M. Sponsler of Springfield; her grandchildren, Amber and Christopher Behl, Kelsey Lane, Nicholas Hamende and Alexis Hamende, Clayton and Cashton Sponsler; her great grandson, Talon Behl; her siblings, Susan (husband, Terry) Hupp of Chatham, Joseph (wife, Julie) Shimkus of Springfield, and Kathleen Garrison of Eldon, MO; in addition to several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Simmons Cooper Cancer Institute at SIU, P.O. Box 19677, Springfield, IL 62702.