Gretchen Sprouse

Gretchen L. Sprouse, 63, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2025. Born on May 18, 1962, in Lake Forest, Illinois, Gretchen lived a life centered around love, family, and selfless generosity.

She began her working years at Lake Forest Hospital and also spent time supporting her family's restaurant, McCormick's. Gretchen had a gift for making people feel seen and supported. She helped raise not only her own children but many of their friends as if they were her own. She was the one who showed up—always willing to help, listen, and offer kindness without hesitation. One of her greatest joys in life was being a proud and devoted grandmother.

Gretchen is survived by her daughters, Kristen Sprouse and Ashley Sprouse; her son-in-law, Robert Creamer; and her beloved grandsons, Aydin Nichols, Gabriel Borrero, and Jeremiah Borrero. She also leaves behind her siblings: Mary Ann McCormick, Terri McCormick, Jimmy (Debbie) McCormick, and John McCormick; as well as her nieces, Amber and Erin McCormick. She was a second mother to many, including her “adopted” daughters Sarah and Katie Kruckenberg, Elizabeth King, and son Chris Nichols.

She was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Michael D. Sprouse; her mother, Marilyn Wilson McCormick; and her father, Gilbert McCormick.

A celebration of Gretchen’s life will be held at a later date, to be announced by her daughters. In true Gretchen fashion, it will be a party—full of love, stories, laughter, and probably some sarcasm.