Salisbury community trying to comprehend loss of grandmother and boy in house fire

SALISBURY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Salisbury community is trying to comprehend the loss of a grandmother and a boy.

Maxwell Springer, 17, and Cheryl Springer, 75, died in a house fire early Sunday morning.

Jean Harvey say." I just feel terrible that she had to end her life like this and she was with her grandson and it is just so sad."

Maxwell and Cheryl took Christmas photos Saturday night during one of Maxwell's bi-weekly visits to his grandmother's house in Salisbury.

Then tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a fire started.

Kurtis Estes, Pastor with First Baptist Church, has known Cheryl for a few years.

"Tragedy such as this, in such a way, it's overwhelming to our community, to our church and those who cared so much about her," Estes said.

Cheryl Springer had many roles in the town of Salisbury.

She worked at First Baptist Church as a secretary and at the Dulany Memorial Library for more than 40 years. She also worked at the local food bank in Salisbury.

Estes says, Cheryl played the role of grandmother for him, as well.

"Cheryl was always there to faithfully support and care for myself and so many others in our church and community there was no one that Cheryl turned down," Estes said.

Maxwell Springer was a junior at Fayette High School. Those who knew Maxwell said him and his grandmother had a close relationship and he had a love for animals.

"He loved dogs well, he just had a very kind and great heart, just a kind great young man," Estes said,

"She loved her grandson so much and was always excited to take him places," Harvey said.

Harvey said she saw Cheryl for the last time three weeks ago.

"I wish I could have seen her one more time that's the way we are," Harvey said.

Employees at the Dulany Memorial Library said the library will be closed until after the funeral services.

Details about the funeral services have not been released.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.