Longtime AAU Volunteer Passes

AUBURN, IL – Stella M. Sponsler, 65, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

She was born September 5, 1956, to Clarence and Betty (Bunch) Brown, Sr.  She married Raymond Sponsler on June 21, 1980, in Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and Brownie; brother, Ricky Brown; and her in-laws, Robert and Mercedes Sponsler.

Stella was a cafeteria employee with Springfield School District 186 for 30 years. She was active with the USTA and AAU as a tumbling coach and later as a judge. She loved Christmas decorations, especially snowmen. Stella was most proud of her “6-pack” – her six grandsons.  

"Our AAU Trampoline & Tumbling family lost our dear friend and board member.   Stella was a member of the AAU for over 25 years. Stella was a mom, coach, judge, State Chairperson, and Trampoline & Tumbling Board Member.  Stella served as our volunteer coordinator for many years!  Her bright personality and warm heart will be forever missed.  We love you Stella!" -- Jeri Inman, AAU Trampoline and Tumbling Board member

She is survived by her husband, Raymond; children, Lish Sponsler, Jenny Vieira and Ricky (Bethany) Sponsler; grandsons, Zander, Raylan, Lane, Dominic, Hudson and Rhett; siblings, Clarence “Butch” (Bronna) Brown, Jr., Donald (Kathy) Brown and Timmy (Karen) Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the USTA Scholarship in memory of Stella Sponsler.