Elizabeth Sparano

ELIZABETH SPARANO

Marion

Elizabeth L. "Betty" Sparano, 90, of Marion, formerly of Oelwein, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Dec. 30, 2014, at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oelwein, with the Rev. Paul C. McManus officiating. Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, with a parish Scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitz funeralhome.com.

Elizabeth Lorraine Lewis was born in Winthrop, Iowa, on April 9, 1924, the daughter of Homer and Vergie (Foster) Lewis. She graduated from Winthrop High School and attended the University of Iowa. She was united in marriage to Joseph Sparano on July 12, 1943, at Sacred Heart Church in Oelwein. Joe passed away in 2011.

Betty was an exceptional cook, winning many baking contests and writing and publishing two Italian cookbooks. Betty and Joe traveled to many states in the United States. They lived in Arizona for several winters and traveled to Italy many times.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Julie (Ted) Ebertsch of Cedar Rapids; son, Jim (Sue) Sparano of Wheat Ridge, Colo.; six grandchildren, Laura (Brett) Barden of Cedar Rapids, Chris Ebertsch of Fort Collins, Colo., John (Heather) Sparano of Orofino, Idaho, Regina Sparano of Seattle, Wash., Angie (Brandon) Blomquist of Arvada, Colo., and Joanna Sparano of Eugene, Ore.; seven great-grandchildren, Trent, Zach and Alexis Barden, Nicole and Joe Sparano, Wyatt and Sawyer Blomquist; and many nieces and nephews.

In death, Betty has joined her husband; parents; son, Joey; and brother, Richard.

Betty was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She dearly loved her family and took pride in their accomplishments. She was a classy lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.