Lori Sponseller

Lori J. Sponseller, 68, of Payne, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 4, 2026. She was born on April 1, 1958, in Angola, Indiana, to Vance Boots and the late Donna Mae Boots.

Lori’s life was marked by a deep and abiding love for Jesus. Her faith was not something she simply spoke about; it was something she lived every day. She desired for others to know and follow Jesus, and she used her time, talents, words, and actions to point people toward Him. She had a true servant’s heart, giving generously of herself to her family, her church, her community, and anyone in need of encouragement, care, or a helping hand.

She was the beloved wife of Jim Sponseller, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and love. Until just a few weeks before her passing, Lori worked alongside her husband as a paralegal at Sponseller Law Office in Paulding, Ohio.

Lori poured her heart into her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her home and her heart were open wide, and those who knew her were blessed by the care she gave so freely. Many will remember the warmth of her smile and her beautiful blue eyes, which reflected the kindness and love she carried within. If you encountered Lori, you likely experienced her cooking—especially her famous chocolate chip cookies and homemade pies like no other. Her kitchen was one of the many ways she loved people well and also where she displayed her ruthless, winning card playing skills.

Lori had many gifts and faithfully used them to serve others. She created handmade costumes for Wayne Trace musicals for 14 years, including productions such as The Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid. She also supported Living Water Ministries and The Well Youth Ministry in Payne, Ohio. Whether through ministry, creativity, hospitality, or quiet acts of service, Lori reflected the love of Christ in practical and beautiful ways.

She found joy in gardening and in the beauty of flowers. She was talented in a wide variety of crafts, loved power tools and woodworking, and owned Casual Creations where she taught classes and shared her love of crafts with others. Lori’s creativity, work ethic, and attention to detail were evident in everything she made and everything she did.

Most of all, Lori loved Jesus and loved her family. She was a beautiful example of a Proverbs 31 woman—faithful, strong, generous, hardworking, and clothed with dignity and grace. Her legacy will live on in the lives of those she served, encouraged, fed, prayed for, and loved.

Lori is survived by her husband, Jim Sponseller; her father, Vance Boots; her sisters, Teresa Helton, Brenda (Richard) Smith, Pam (Jed) Miller,; her children, Terra (Steve) Whitman of Payne, Ohio, Scott (Crystal) Tubbs of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, Kathleen (Derek) Linhart of Canton, Ohio, and Joseph (Emma) Sponseller of Maplewood, Ohio; her grandchildren, Colin (Madde) Doerr, Autumn Tubbs, Luke Tubbs, Grant Tubbs, Emma Whitman, Charlotte Linhart, Claire Linhart, Jeremiah Sponseller, Mary Sponseller, and Denise Sponseller; and her great-grandchild, Harrison Doerr.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Mae Boots; her grandparents, Robert and Berdina Boots; and Donald and Bessie Boyer.

Viewing is Friday, August 7th from 3-7 PM at Dooley Funeral Home Payne. 

Service is Saturday, August 8th at 10:30 AM with viewing one hour prior at the funeral home. 

She will be laid to rest in Wiltsie Cemetery. 

The family extends heartfelt thanks to The James Cancer Hospital, CHP Hospice and Visiting Angels for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided to Lori and her family.

For those who wish to make a contribution in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Health Professionals. 

Lori will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her faith was sure, her love was steady, and her life was a testimony to the grace of God.