Gertrude V. Spratt (Gertie), age 96, passed away September 9, 2016 in Salt Lake City, UT following a fall at her home. Born: Gertrude Johanna Van Leeuwen on April 15, 1920 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The oldest of 4 children, she was the only daughter of Richard John Van Leeuwen and Catherina Denos Van Leeuwen. She married widower Robert Bruce Spratt (Bob) on April 23, 1957, and courageously and lovingly took on the responsibility of raising his 4 young children, whom she later adopted as her own.
Raised in Salt Lake City, she was a graduate of South High School and the Salt Lake Business School. Professionally, she worked as office manager for the Weinstock Insurance Agency until her marriage to Bob. She resided in Salt Lake until 1971 when Bob moved his business to Bremerton, Washington. She remained there until February of this year when she made the difficult decision to move back to Salt Lake City to be close to her family.
An avid golfer, Gertie was a founding member of the Willow Creek Country Club. Later as a member of the Kitsap Country Club, she played golf well into her 80s.
Always involved in volunteer and social activities, she served as the President of the Willow Creek Women's Golf Association, President of the Blue Goose Auxiliary, PTA President, and contributed countless hours of service as a volunteer at the Elks Club Thrift Store, Red Cross Blood Bank, and the Harrison Memorial Hospital Guild.
She is survived by her 4 children: Bruce Spratt (Carolynn) Bountiful, UT; Sheron Tuttle (Craig) Moab, UT; Randy Spratt (Sharen) Portsmouth, NH; Julie Jennings (Bob) Taylorsville, UT; 14 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren; and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. Proceeded in death by her husband, parents, brothers: Richard John Van Leeuwen, Jr., George Henry Van Leeuwen, and Robert Denos Van Leeuwen, and by grandson Jeffrey Cardwell.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of Cottonwood Place Assisted Living, her home for the past 7 months, and to Care Source Hospice for the kind, professional, and loving care given to Gertie during her final days.
A private family service will be held at a future date.
