Mae Crowell

Ellamae Crowell, age 65,of La Harpe, Kansas, passed away on March 3, 2026.

She was born on March 31, 1960, in Olympia, to Edward and Wanda (Simpson) Spragg. Mae grew up in Tumwater, where she graduated from high school and first began showing the determination that would define her life.

As a child, her mother described her as a true go-getter. Mae was a tomboy who hated dresses, rarely kept shoes on her feet, and did things her own way. When she was born with her hips out of socket, she faced that challenge with quiet resilience. It never slowed her down. From the beginning, she handled life the way it needed to be handled and refused to let anything stand in her way.

Her mother often said, "She did what she wanted to do," and it was never meant in a bad way. Mae was strong-willed, opinionated, and at times cantankerous, but she was also beautiful in spirit and deeply passionate. She was not quick to anger, but when she was upset, you knew it. She never lashed out physically; her strength was in her presence and her conviction.

On October 28, 1978, Mae married the love of her life, Randy, in Washington State. Randy, originally from La Harpe, had been on his way to meet Mae's roommate for a date while working an IT job. Instead, he found his future in Mae, and the rest is history. Their bond was unmistakable. Her siblings recall a connection between them that no one could disrupt, steady, loyal, and deeply rooted.

Mae built a life she truly loved in La Harpe. She owned and operated Mae's Short Stop in Gas City, Kansas, and dedicated her career to working with children in the area. At the time of her passing, she was employed at Iola Elementary School, where she continued doing what she had felt called to do since she was young.

From childhood, Mae's heart belonged to children. Even as a student herself, she was deeply affected when classmates did not receive the love or attention they deserved. That early compassion shaped her life's work. She wanted every child to know someone would always stand in their corner.

She considered her nieces as her own children. Her sisters often relied on her firm but loving hand when discipline was needed, though it frequently ended with Aunt Mae taking the kids out for ice cream instead. Her great-nephew Ty remembered her as a second mom, someone who kept him on track and reminded him to stay true to who he wanted to become.

Mae's love for her community ran deep. She proudly served as Mayor of La Harpe for the past twelve years, leading with the same directness and passion that marked every part of her life. She believed in her small town and gave her time and energy to make it stronger.

Mae will be remembered for her determination, her fierce loyalty, her steady presence, and the way she showed up for others, especially children, without hesitation. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left her mark on her family and community in a way that will not be forgotten.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Randy Crowell; and her father Edward Spragg.

She is survived by her mother, Wanda Rollman; her siblings Raymond and wife Joy Spragg, Terrie Beckford, Jimmy and spouse Chuway Spragg, Eltina and husband Allen Pride, Rosco and wife Courtney Rollman; her nieces and nephews Eric Crowell, Kevin Crowell, Rachel and husband Josh Stokes, Heather and husband Nathan Skahan, Courtney and husband Ryan Eisenbart; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and a community that was better because she was part of it.

No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com