Our devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, Stuart J. Sprouse, passed away peacefully at home, where he most loved to be, on August 16, 2016.
Born August 22, 1936, to Stanley W Sprouse and Lucille Stuart in Montpellier, Idaho. He developed a passion for family and horses from his uncles as a young boy.
On June 13, 1956, Stu married the love of his life, Thurma Lee Yates, after just 4 weeks of dating. Soon after, he was deployed with the Air Force to Saudi Arabia during the Suez Canal Conflict. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple.
Although he started out as a TV repairman, his love for horses was very strong. He bought a saddle long before he had a horse. Upon acquiring horses, he built a barn in Sandy, UT, where they later built their home of 47 years. The barn was the beginning of S Bar S Stables where he has boarded horses for over 30 years. Many young adults who also loved horses learned strong work ethics and were forever impacted by him.
Stu was actively involved in the community and was well known for his great love of young people, and he loved helping them. He was a lifetime member of the Salt Lake County Mounted Sheriff's Posse, President and Lifetime member of the UQHA and member of the UQHA Hall of Fame, Vice President of the Utah Quarter Horse Racing Association, Director to AQHA, Board member of Utah County Farm Bureau and was a member of and rode in the re-enactment of the Pony Express for many years. He also loved helping with the 4-H and supporting the youth in equine activities. He enjoyed volunteering during the 2002 Winter Olympics. He retired from Cottonwood Hospital where he had many dear friends. In his spare time, he provided sound and timers for many equestrian events with his company S and S TV & Sound. Stu loved his summers at Lake Powell and Bear Lake with family and relished his trips with family and friends to Hawaii. Above all else, he loved his family most.
Survived by his wife Thurma Lee; 3 children Terry (Russell), Jack, Steven (Buffy); 6 grandchildren Brandee (Jeremy), Jordan, Connor, Colton, Sierra and Destinee;1 great grandchild Maddisyn and 3 sisters Susan (Neil), Tracy, Teri (John). Preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Barbara Sprouse and sister Shannon.
Stu's wonderful smile, twinkling blue eyes and loving generosity will be missed. More than anything we will miss his nicknames, rhymes and cowboy poetry.
Funeral services with be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at Crescent North Stake Center, 1050 East 10600 South in Sandy. Friends may call on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), and one hour prior to funeral at the church. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to USU 4-H, 4800 Old Main Hill, AGRS Building Office 434, Logan, UT 84322
Published in Salt Lake Tribune on Aug. 21, 2016.