Obituaries

Madelyn “Maddie” Lee Spriggs, age 73, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on May 27, 2026, at her home, with her husband by her side. She was born November 22, 1952, in Torrington, Connecticut, to Robert “Bob” Hilton and Betty Jean (Switzer) Bottrall.

Maddie grew up in Ada, Michigan, and graduated from Forest Hills High School. Following graduation, she worked as a waitress and later at Windows and Blinds. An avid bowler, Maddie’s passion for the sport led her to one of life’s greatest gifts; meeting the love of her life, James, during a bowling tournament in 1988. The two quickly became inseparable and were married in 1990at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built a life and raised three sons. Once their boys were grown, Maddie and James relocated to Sault Ste. Marie to be closer to family.

Maddie was a proud member of the Saints and Sinners Bowling League.

Bowling was one of Maddie’s greatest joys, and she could out-bowl just about anyone she met. She also loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed fishing, although she often joked that she caught more frogs and toads than fish, along with boating and camping.

Maddie had a playful spirit and enjoyed all kinds of games and entertainment, from playing Bingo and visiting the casino to attending WWE wrestling events in Grand Rapids. She was also a dedicated sports fan and never missed watching a University of Michigan or Detroit Lions football game. In quieter moments, she enjoyed traveling, arts and crafts, quilting, cross-stitching, and completing puzzles.

Maddie is survived by her husband, James; sons, Michael Jon (Emily) DeYoung of Rudyard, Michigan, Daniel Lee (Alicia) Spriggs of Sault Ste. Marie, and Shane DeYoung; grandchildren, Bill, Grace, Emma, Ally, Lucy, Jessica, Michael, and Marissa, Geoffrey; and great-grandson, Kyler; sisters, Pat (Robert) Bayle, Roberta Osmolinski and Terry Meany; and brothers, Randy Bottrall, Bob Bottrall and Rick Bottrall.

Maddie was preceded in death by her grandson, Belimy; parents, Bob and Betty Bottrall; and mother and father-in-law, James and Gloria Spriggs.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 PM.

Maddie’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorial contributions can be made in Maddie’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.