Spencerville;  Eileen L. Barnes Sponsel, 87, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully at 4:30 AM Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Gardens of Celina.

She was born May 27, 1934 in Buckland, the daughter of the late John D. and Sylvia H. Bowers Richardson. In 1952 she married Neal M. Barnes who died accidentally in 1960. Then in 1966 she married Rev. Walter E. Sponsel who died accidentally in 1969.

After loosing her husband Neal, Eileen began her journey back to Spencerville with her three sons, where she purchased her first and only home and lived there for 60 plus years.

Surviving are two sons; Steven M. (Jane) Barnes of Celina and Timothy N. (Jennifer) Barnes of St. Marys, 10 grandchildren; Heather (Jeff) Davis  and Stacey Barnes, both of Lima, Amanda Hensley of W.VA., Kelsey Barnes of Anna, Luke (Rene) Brigham of Norfolk, VA., Seth (Abby) Brigham of St. Marys, Adam Barnes of CO., Lauren (Brandon) Craft and Josh (Sydney) Barnes and Jennifer (Nate) Price, both of St. Marys and 20 plus great grandchildren and her sister-in-law Mary Donna Richardson of Sidney.

Preceding in death are her son William E. "Bill" Barnes and her brother and brother John J. Richardson.

Eileen began her walk with our Lord and Savior in 1961 where she and her three sons settled into the Spencerville First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School, played the piano and organ and was active in many church activities. She was a 1952 graduate of Spencerville High School. Her work was as a medical secretary, Spencerville High School monitor and events director at Lima Manor. She loved being with her family and church family.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday in the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Pastor Jim Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville Cemetery.

With Covid-19 still being with us, the family requests that those who can to wear masks and try to social distance, with visitation from 4 until 8 PM Tuesday and after 9:30 AM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to  The Gideons.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com