Cindy Anne Sprague, lovingly known as “Mawmaw”by grandchildren, passed away on August 20, 2025 at age 68, from cancer. Born on March 1, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, Cindy lived a life filled with love, laughter and joy.
She is survived by her devoted husband Darry, her cherished son John, beloved grandsons Michael Custer, Jordan Crossley and Gabriel Crossley, step-mother Maxine Gail Smith, sisters Kay Smith and Christie Williams (Bob), brother Jim Smith (Coleen), cousins Ellen Maurer (Kerry), and Jim Powers (Rosalee), numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cindy is also survived by loving friends Diana Brown, Colleen and Kevin Callinan (daughters Aveline and Emmy), and Marilyn Estepp-Ingram (Art). She is preceded in death by her mother Dorothy Powers Smith, father Robert Ernest Smith, Jr., most giving daughter Patricia Anne Alghazaeui, and step-brother Paul Henry Smith McGowan.
Cindy attended Whitehall Yearling High School, WYHS 1975, and completed schooling at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Mayo Campus. Cindy worked diligently in her home and also with the Kroger Company, organizing and maintaining over-the-counter drug merchandise, and other areas, for many years. Her co-workers relied on her for her extensive knowledge as did numerous customers who “always look for you, Cindy” for her to help them find items but also how to solve a fix-it problem they had at home. Cindy was very self reliant and handy, often figuring out how to solve a problem “outside of the box”.
Cindy was an active parent in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She enjoyed learning about the history of the City of Worthington. This started as a Boy Scout activity and remained a strong interest throughout her life. Cindy loved to bake and supplied cakes and pies for many organizational activities and home.
For many, many years, Cindy and Darry have truly enjoyed decorating their home for Christmas inside and out. Their yard and house have always been filled with blinking lights, Santa’s sleigh, reindeer, snowmen and more. The neighborhood was always invited, often with 70+ visitors coming to tour and share candy canes.
As early supporters of Worthington Special Olympics in 2000, Cindy and her family created buttons for each player and DVD’s highlighting team season accomplishments. For many years, she baked cakes to celebrate the Battle of Worthington, and created lovely decorations as well. She baked nine small cakes in order to create the one large “Battle” cake. She wanted each player to feel special, and always highlighted each student. Cindy is remembered as a caring, giving, and loving person by fellow Special Olympics volunteers.
Cindy had a deep love for her cats, her garden, and the simple everyday pleasures of life. She cherished her family, friends and neighbors, always giving of herself and sharing kindness with those around her. She truly lived her life to the fullest, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and love.
Cindy’s presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be Monday, September 8, 10am-12 pm, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 5101 Johnstown Rd., New Albany, Ohio 43054. Burial of cremains will be Tuesday, September 9, 12:00 noon, at Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solve Research Institute, Cancer Strategic Support Fund, current fund number 313545 at https://osu.edu/giving/ or checks can be mailed to The Ohio State University Foundation, P.O. Box 736096, Chicago, IL 60673-6096
