Muriel Kay (Stanbaugh) Sprague was born on September 8, 1938, in Denver Colorado to Howard and Harriet (Mueller) Stanbaugh. As a small child, she moved with her family to Keystone, South Dakota, where she lived for her formative years. While residing in Keystone, her mother met and married Roy Ertl. Roy was a wonderful man and a great father to Muriel and her siblings; she loved him very much.
Muriel graduated from Central High School in 1957. During those years, she met the love of her life, Vernon “Curly” Sprague. While Curly served in the U.S. Army in Korea, Muriel waited in Keystone and worked at the family restaurant. They were married on July 20, 1958, in Rapid City. When Curly passed away on October 19, 2010, they had been married for 52 years.
Following their marriage, Curly began working for the Rapid City Police Department. In 1963, he joined the South Dakota Highway Patrol, where he proudly served until his retirement in 1985. During that time, the Sprague family lived in Sioux Falls, Kadoka, Hot Springs, Rapid City, and Custer. Muriel was a stay-at-home mom during those years. She loved to cook, bake, and was an excellent seamstress.
After Curly retired from the Highway Patrol, he and Muriel lived in Custer for many years. During that time, Curly served as Custer County Sheriff and Muriel owned a flower shop where she designed many beautiful bouquets. Among her favorites were the flowers that grew wild in the Black Hills.
Muriel always had a cat in her lap and a deck of cards in her hand. Her family has many happy memories of the times spent sitting around the table, playing card and board games with both her and Curly.
Curly and Muriel eventually moved to Miles City, Montana. In the last few years of her life, Muriel lived in both Rapid City and Miles City.
Muriel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernon “Curly”; and her siblings, Joan Merchen, Donny Ertl, and Wendy Hallaur.
Muriel is survived by her 3 children; Laurie (Gordon) Dye, of Miles City; Russell (Denise) Sprague, of Rapid City; and Jim (Dani) Sprague, of Pierre. She was the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Mary (Cliff) Shorb, of Hermosa, and her lifelong friend, Glenna Overholt, of Rapid City.
Muriel passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022, in Miles City. At her request, no services are planned. Muriel will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Curly, at the Mountain View Cemetery in Keystone.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Sandi Kohones says
I am so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful person! Muriel was one of my very favorite people and I will miss her greatly! Prayers for the family during this sad time.
Caitlin Elizabeth Stark says
I can actually say that my grandmother was my hero. We never saw eye to eye. But I do appreciate her for everything she has done since I was really little. I wanted to see her one last time and hangout and play card games before she passed away, and I never got too. I will always regret not being able to get ahold of her in anyway. I miss and love you grandma. Ur up in heaven now with grandpa finally. I hope you guys are enjoying it up there.
Kayla Carpenter says
I am saddened to hear this. She was a very sweet lady! She will forever be missed. My condolences to the family.
Jan Munroe says
I admired Muriel’s talents and her devotion to her family. She was selfless in her dedication to them. I am sure she has earned some stars in her crown. She was a sweet lady.
Elaine Moats says
Laurie,
I always admired the bond you had with your mom. She was a wonderful, beautiful and kind lady. I loved the great talks and lunches we had, even with kale! Muriel will be missed by many of us but I am positive she is rejoicing in the reunion with her husband.
Staci Sprague Fleming says
Sending all my love to Laurie, Russell and Jim. Aunt Muriel was a wonderful lady and will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Kathy Mentele says
She was such a beautiful, kind lady who loved her family and her friends. My sympathy to Laurie, Russell and Jim and their families.
Jennie Marsh says
Laurie & Family,
I’m so sorry to read about your mother’s passing. What a full life she led. She was full of love and I am happy to have met her. Peace to you, Laurie, and to your family! 💜