Sprogis, Biruta (nee Atals) 85, Fridley, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10 surrounded by loving family and friends. Preceded in death by her father, Mikelis Atals, mother, Emilija, and sister, Zigrida. Survivors include her husband, Laimonis ("Lyman"), 2 daughters, Mara (Kevin) Hopps and Ilze Smith (Scott Vogel); 5 grandchildren, David (Tara), Lauren and Anna Hopps, Alaine (Eric Szafranski) and Marty Smith; niece, Anne Awsumb; nephew, David Backstrom (Holly Weston). Ruta was born in Riga, Latvia on Feb. 29, 1932; she left Latvia aged 12, then lived in a displaced persons camp in Germany for five years, at which she honed her championship ping pong and other athletic skills. She immigrated to Minnesota in 1949. Ruta was a friend to birds and flowers, and worked happily at Bachman's for many years. She loved traveling in retirement with her husband and spending time at their lake home in Stone Lake, WI. She was a fan of all MN sports teams and was a talented black jack player. Funeral at 11AM on Aug. 22 at the Minneapolis -St. Paul Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3152 17th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Memorials may be sent in her name to the church. Mes tevi milam, milais Biruta. Washburn-McReavy.com Crystal Lake Chapel 612-521-3677 Penn & Dowling Aves N.