Sparks, Betty Louise

Betty Louise Sparks, 83, of Mexico, Mo., went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013.

Betty is survived by her husband, Russell Wayne Sparks; five children, Lynne Sparks, Deborah Hughes, Teresa (Steve Waln), Thomas (Sherry Sparks) and Lisa (Slaman Dean); one sister, Fonda (Ronald Riemenschneider); 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Betty was born May 3, 1930, in Rhodes, Iowa, to Ronald Edward and Leola “Peggy” Orene (Inglis) Duffy. She was a graduate from State Center Iowa High School, where she played on the first girls basketball team and was a member of a musical sextet that achieved a first place rating at state finals. Betty married her high school sweetheart, Russell W. Sparks on March 6, 1948, in Abilene, Kan., they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with many family and friends.

Betty retired from Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids after 22 years of employment. She was a member of Kentucky Road Christian Church and enjoyed flowers, birds, cooking and spending time with her family. She also loved to play cards and was almost impossible to beat at Yahtzee!

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Kentucky Road Christian Church in Mexico, Mo. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service. Private family interment will be held in Clemons, Iowa, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kentucky Road Christian Church, in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Expressions of sympathy may be given at .

Published in The Gazette Aug. 28, 2013.