Our beautiful mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Harriett Marie Sprouse, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, surrounded by family. At the age of 93, she was reunited with her beloved husband and best friend, Jack. 

Harriett was born at home in Boone, Iowa, to Henry and Marie Snow Sharnweber. She was the youngest of three siblings and the last surviving member of her generation. 

Harriett met Jack on a blind date. During that first outing, they were involved in a car accident. Jack's kindness and care as he looked after her left a lasting impression, and the two soon fell in love. Together they raised two children, Brian Sprouse and Kimberly Sprouse Hayes. She treasured her family and took immense pride in her grandchildren, Nicholas and Daniel Sprouse, Daniel’s wife, Reva Hollingsworth, and great-grandchildren Penelope, Archer, and Hollis Sprouse. She delighted in sharing their photographs and stories with family, friends, and anyone she met. 

Although she was every bit a lady and loved shopping, Harriett also had a deep love for the outdoors, especially the beach. She took her children camping, sometimes without even a tent, and could catch fish with nothing more than a string and a hook. 

Growing up in an era when opportunities for women were often limited, Harriett became a strong advocate for women's advancement and social equality. She worked tirelessly for causes she believed in and lived long enough to witness many of the changes she had fought to achieve. That determination helped shape a remarkable career in nursing, education, and public health. 

Harriett earned a master's degree in nursing at UCLA and then taught at California State, Los Angeles. While living in Chatsworth, California, she fearlessly entered some of Los Angeles's most crime-ridden neighborhoods to teach public health education to those struggling with addiction. Alongside her commitment to public health, she was also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and services. Throughout her life, she generously supported causes she believed in, including National Public Radio, Union Gospel Mission, and the American Red Cross.

In 1978, Harriett moved to Meadow Springs in Richland, Washington, where she became Director of Nursing for the Benton-Franklin Health Department. She served in that role until her retirement in 1998 and was also an active member of Rotary. After retiring, Harriett and Jack moved to Prune Hill in Camas, Washington, where they enjoyed being close to their daughter, Kim, and her husband, Bruce Hayes; their son, Brian, and his wife, Jennie Sprouse and their children; and her nephew, Keith Regelin. Harriett embraced her community, joining Newcomers, book clubs, and card groups (Bridge). In later years, she was a resident of The Quarry Senior Living in Vancouver, Washington. She eventually moved to Oro Valley, Arizona, where she resided at Sonora at Splendido Assisted Living. There she was lovingly and attentively cared for by the staff and by her daughter, Kim, who was delighted Harriett moved to be near her. 

Harriett loved watercolor painting, knitting, and, most of all, reading. Her vocabulary was legendary. Jack often bragged that she was the only person he knew who could complete crossword puzzles in ink. 

Harriett's intelligence, generosity, compassion, and sense of adventure will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. The lives she touched through her family, her profession, and her advocacy stand as a lasting testament to a life well lived. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Harriett's life on July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Straub's Funeral Home, 325 NE 3rd Avenue, Camas, Washington.