Elizabeth Sprong

Elizabeth Irene (Ottinger) Sprong, 98, of Zionsville, passed away October 27, 2014. She was born in Hendricks County Aug. 5, 1916, to Carl and Mary (Harmon) Ottinger. She graduated from Zionsville High School in 1934. After high school graduation, she attended Central Normal College in Danville, Indiana. From there she was granted a 2-year teaching certificate and Indiana teaching license. Mrs. Sprong began her teaching career in 1936, in a one-room school in Union township near Gadsen, in 1936 – 1937, and thereafter in what was Northfield, Indiana on U.S. Highway 421. Irene married Mr. Rex Sprong November 24, 1937 and he preceded her in death. Mrs. Sprong returned to teaching at Zionsville in 1941. She continued until 1976 when her husband became ill. After Mr. Sprong's death in December 1976, Irene again returned to teaching in 1978 and continued until her permanent retirement in 1984. During her teaching career Mrs. Sprong achieved a B.S. in Education and later a M. A. in Education, both from Butler University. "Mrs. Sprong", as known by hundreds in the community taught 4th grade (22 years), 3rd, 5th and 6th grade for a total of 43 years. Mrs. Sprong is a founding member of the Ottinger-Sprong Foundation which has awarded several scholarships to ZHS Seniors over the last 10 years (2004--2014). Mrs. Sprong is a life-long member of Salem United Methodist Church, a member of The Retired Teachers of Boone County, Butler University Boosters, and Psi Iota Xi. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Clayton and Burl. She is survived by nieces and nephews; Tina (Ottinger) Hand (Eric), Candace (Ottinger) Buckmaster, Timothy Ottinger (Susan), and Jeffrey Ottinger (Pam) all of Zionsville; sister in laws, Annie and Mary Jean Ottinger and several great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, October 31, 2014 at Salem United Methodist Church, 6701 S. 800 E. Zionsville, IN 46077. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday at Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville, 105 E. Pine St. Zionsville, IN 46077, and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.flannerbuchanan.com Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem United Methodist Church.