Ann Gates Spradlin
Ann Gates Spradlin, 55, Ashland, Mo., and formerly of Woodstock, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, after a three-year fight with cancer. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. and the funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, Mo.
I'm in Missouri with Dakota now, staying at my friend Ann's home. It's like she's still here because all her things are still around, but she's gone and it's pretty sad. I feel such sympathy for her husband and best friend Steve; he seems to be doing what must be done, but he seems a bit lost. Later today, we will celebrate her life and cherish our memories of her, both collectively and individually.
Rain the whole drive here seemed to amplify feeling of sorrow and introspection, yet the autumn colors were a wonderful and beautiful distraction. But I kept thinking, "even the sky weeps at her passing."
