Viola Ruth Sprague was born on January 26, 1947, in Leavenworth, Kansas, to Dorothy Eleen Lina and Richard Floyd January.

Viola was the second of nine children born to this union. She married Sherman Harvey in 1963, and four children were born to this marriage. In 1977, Viola began working at Hallmark Cards, where she met Robert Sprague. They later married, blending two beautiful families into one. Their loving union lasted 38 years, until Robert’s (“Bob’s”) passing. Viola continued to honor their love by celebrating their anniversary each year—this past March 29th marked what would have been 45 years.

On June 22, 1973, Viola was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She had a deep and unwavering passion for serving Jehovah. Viola found great joy in sharing Jehovah’s Word through door-to-door ministry and served as a regular pioneer. Her devotion inspired many to draw closer to Jehovah.

Viola also possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit. A true fitness enthusiast, she owned and operated several fitness centers alongside her sisters, Yvette and Regina “Dee.” Their success led to an invitation to be featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a testament to their impact and dedication.

Her love for helping others led her to pursue a new path later in life. At the age of 60, Viola graduated from John Wood College in Quincy, Illinois, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree in May 2007. She continued her education and, in May 2010, earned her Registered Nurse (RN) degree.

Viola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Sprague; her parents, Dorothy and Richard January; her son, Ronald Sprague; her daughter, Missy Kay Sprague; her brother, Floyd January; and her sisters, Carol King and Yvette Parker.

She leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her passing,her daughters, Stephanie M. Harvey of Wichita, Kansas, and Veronica (Dane) Humphrey of Quincy, Illinois; her sons, Jeffrey R. (Kay) Cobbs of St. Louis, Missouri; Robert G. (Denice) Sprague of Houston, Texas; Tyrone L. (Wanda) Harvey of Wichita, Kansas; Sherman R. Harvey of Leavenworth, Kansas; Randy (Analucy) Sprague of Salina, Kansas; Richard N. (Pam) Sprague of New Mexico; and Steven L. Harvey of Olathe, Kansas; her sisters, Marva (Robert) White, Yvonne (Norman) Hall, Ramona (Everett) Rogers, and Regina (George) Wilson; her brother, Wayne January.

Viola also leaves behind a host of cherished grandchildren: Leland, Tyrone “TJ,” Matthew, Steven, Jazmine, Shanice, Sierra, Sterling,Dustin, Emily, Jassmine, Antonio, Bianca, Random, Romoni, Kodi, K’Shayla, K’Shonna, Jolissa, Kaya, Noah, Melissa, and Zachary.

She is also lovingly remembered by her adored great-grandchildren, whom she loved deeply.

“And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” — Revelation 21:4