Janice Lee Sparkman

Janice Lee (Rust) Sparkman, of St. Paul, MN passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023.

Jan was born on July 2, 1940 to Lawrence ("Wayne") and Myrtle Rust in St. Paul, MN. She spent almost all of her career working for only two auto insurance agencies - the Drew Agency, and then later the Maguire Agency. She enjoyed her work, and was well liked and made many friends at both jobs.

Jan balanced her career raising two children as a single mother. In her free time she enjoyed playing cards, Yahtzee, and watching scary movies. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She was always just "mom" to all of her children's friends.

As she got close to retirement she found that being a grandma was her true calling. She loved having her grandchildren stay over at her house, and spent as much time spoiling them as she could. She would make their favorite meals and take them to movies and events. Jan loved going to the State Fair even when the walking got to be a bit much. She took the family on wonderful vacations to Disney World and Mexico, and left us all with unforgettable memories. She was always a tremendously giving person, and she was always happiest when she was bringing happiness to others.

Jan joins her parents and her brother Lawrence (Larry) in heaven. She is survived by her children Michael Rhyan and Sheri Rhyan; her grandchildren Kaila (Tim) Smith; Evyenia Davis; and Tyler Rhyan; her sister- in-law Carole; her nieces and nephews David Rust; Mark (Anje) Rust; and April (Roger) Rust; and great grandchildren and great nephews and nieces.

The world will be a duller place without her kindness, her laughter and her good advice. And heaven will be filled with cries of "Yahtzee" now that she is back with her brother.

An informal memorial service will be held June 24, 2023 from 1-4 PM at 6815 4 th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55423 for those who wish to attend.