Ethelyn Soto

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Ethelyn Soto, affectionately known as Effie, who departed this earthly life on November 12, 2024. Born to John and Neoma Sprague on December 30, 1942, in Barryton, MI, she was a beacon of compassionate love and generosity, full of life and creativity. A devoted Christian, Effie was a long-standing member of Victory Tabernacle Church in Cadillac, MI. Her faith was foundational to her life and was a wellspring of strength and hope for her. Effie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She cherished her family, which was the heart of her life. Effie leaves behind a beautiful legacy in her children James Cornelius (Melanie), Angela Averill, Timothy Rizor (Sheila), and her step-daughter Bobbie Williams (Aaron). She was also the proud grandmother to 23 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored. Effie's love extended beyond her immediate family to her siblings, John Sprague (Mary), and Joanne Murphy; and to her many friends whom she considered family. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Neoma Sprague, two brothers, Victor Sprague and Eldon Sprague, sister Vonna Strubble, and her beloved grandchildren Timothy Rizor and Tasheena Maynard. In her professional life, Effie was a dedicated Sales Associate at Cadillac WalMart, from where she eventually retired. Outside her work, she was a creative soul, fond of designing and making jewelry. Her creativity reflected her generous spirit, often bestowing her creations on loved ones as tokens of her affection. As we remember Effie, we are reminded of the Bible verse Romans 12:10, "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." She lived this verse daily, pouring out love and kindness to those around her. A memorial service to celebrate Effie's life will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 1:00 pm at Victory Tabernacle Church, 2801 Old US Hwy 131, Cadillac, MI 49601. We invite those who knew and loved Effie to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. In doing so, we can all continue to honor and remember the wonderful woman she was. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Effie’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, Michigan, 616-754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ethelyn Soto, please visit our flower store.