Frances Spruill

Frances Spruill, 92, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023 at her home in Springfield, Virginia. She was born Mary Frances Saunders on June 3, 1931. Growing up on a small farm in Halifax County, she learned to value faith, hard work, generosity and community. Frances excelled in school – she was President and Valedictorian of her high school class -- and enjoyed playing basketball. She attended Radford College and worked for VEPCO (Virginia Power) where she met the love of her life and devoted husband of over fifty years, Robert Louis Spruill.

Frances was a loving mother to Luanne (Mike) Gutermuth and Chris (Dawn) Spruill and supported them in all their various scholastic and extracurricular activities. One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother, and she delighted in watching Ciara, Caroline, Jack and Matt grow up and attending their games, 4H events, concerts and plays.

She was a role model for community service, generously giving her time and talent to numerous organizations. She served as President of the Lee High School PTA twice, supported Neighborhood Watch, volunteered at countless school events and worked as an elections officer. A long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Springfield, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, served on multiple committees and coordinated weddings. She also worked for many years as the church’s bookkeeper.

Friends and family remember Frances as loving, gracious and compassionate. With her warm smile and friendly nature, she made others feel comfortable and appreciated. She was always ready and willing to provide a ride, deliver a home-cooked meal, host a dinner or share a cup of coffee. Her American Beauty Red Velvet Cake and Banana Pudding rivaled any baking show equivalent.

In addition to her husband, Lou, Frances is predeceased by her parents, Richard Lee and Irene Stevens Saunders, brothers Richard Lee Saunders, Jr. and James Linwood Saunders, sister Juanita Blanche Throckmorton, niece Kathy Throckmorton Shiflett and nephew David Throckmorton.

A memorial service to celebrate her beautiful life of love and kindness will be held on Thursday, October 19 at 12:30 pm at the First Baptist Church of Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Capital Caring Hospice or the Inova Health Foundation.