July 6, 2010  

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Christine A. Sprague, 62, of Oxbow, passed away July 2 at home with her husband by her side. 

Born Sept. 3, 1947, the daughter of John D. and Sylvia A. Hrcka, she was raised in Owosso, Michigan and attended Central Michigan University. 

Christine served 22 dedicated years of service in the Army to include a tour at Fort Rucker, Ala., two tours of Germany, a tour at SHAPE HQ’s Belgium, two tours at the West Point Military Academy and a tour at Fort Drum. Christine retired from the Army in 2000, attaining the rank of sergeant first class.

Christine continued her career as a civil servant working at Fort Drum Housing, Guthrie Medical Clinic, and most rewarding to Christine, a stint at the Fort Drum Criminal Investigation Division from which she recently retired. Christine was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award for her entire career, approved by the CID Commanding General, a very high honor.

She  was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6338 and a charter member of Women in Military Service for America.

She savored attention to detail whether organizing a project at work, or a party at home.

Christine enjoyed long phone conversations with her sisters, puzzles, poker, (she was a two time winner of the Rubicon trophy), and especially being Scrabble champion over her husband.  

Besides her husband, David, she is survived by her sisters, Pat Wells and husband Dave, Charlotte MI, Debby Leddy and husband Don, Beaverton MI; two brothers and their wives, Dennis and Linda Hrcka, Owosso, Mich., and John and Donna Hrcka, Okemos Mich.; her mother-in-law, Lena Sprague, Gouverneur; two sisters-in-law, Sharron Vesneski, Ogdensburg, and Polly Valuckas and husband Tim, Litchfield, Conn.; three brothers-in-law, Stephen Sprague, Falls Church, Va., Russell Sprague and wife Patty, Kensington Md., and Phillip Sprague and wife Cheryl, Reston, Va.; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. 

A brother, Michael, died before her.

Christine donated her body to the Upstate Medical Center , Anatomical Gift Program, Syracuse.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at the Oxbow Presbyterian Church. A meal will follow at the Oxbow Fire Hall.

Christine made and kept many friends and would like to be remembered with an equal amount of love and laughter. Christine requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Oxbow Fire Dept. CT RT 25 Antwerp, NY 13608, the Oxbow Cemetery Association, C/O Penny Slate, 37010 Pulpit Rock Road , Antwerp NY 13608 , or to Hospice of Jefferson County, 425 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Information provided by Cleveland Funeral Home and Newzjunky.com, Watertown