Karen Sparks

1945 - 2015

Sparks, Karen Kay; age 70; of Alma; passed away Saturday, November 14, 2015 at her home in Alma. Karen was born on September 1, 1945 in Alma the daughter of Kenneth and Ruth (Abbott) Russell. Before Karen’s birth her father, Kenneth, was killed in action in WWII on June 19, 1945 in Celebes Islands, serving as a Radar Navigator. Later in life, Karen researched the activities of her father’s bomb group, the 13th (Jungle) Air Force and was able to contact three of the surviving crew members, one of which she met personally. In 2002 Karen flew in a B24 bomber like the one her father was killed in from Saginaw to Elkhart, Indiana. Karen married Bob Sparks in Ithaca on August 22, 1970. Karen graduated from St. Louis High School in 1963. Throughout her life, Karen was employed by various companies including; Total Petroleum, Alma College and The State of Michigan. In 2004, Karen retired from the State of Michigan Attorney General’s Office as a Legal Secretary. Karen was a member of the 13th Air Force Veterans Association and the National Rifle Association. Karen is survived by her husband, Bob Sparks; her children, Olivia (Brad) Lemerand, Zachary (Amy) Sparks, Natalie (Chad) Payton, Rick Sparks, sister, Marion Russell; and eight grandchildren. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Ruth Russell; and her brother, Karlen (Buzz) Russell. Per Karens’ request cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s name to The Collings Foundation, which is dedicated to restoring military aircraft and sponsoring the Wings of Freedom tour; PO Box 248 Stow, MA 01775. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Karen’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com