Betty Jane Sparr

Obituary For Betty Jane Sparr

Betty Jane Sparr passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of intellect, kindness, and devotion to her family, friends, and community. Born to the late Henry James and Emma (Haese) Sparr, Betty was the beloved sister of the late James (Jimmy) and Wilbur (Barney) Sparr. She is lovingly remembered by her niece Jill London of Tempe, Arizona; her grandniece Rebecca Feinstein (Andrew) and great-grandniece Aviva, and great-grandnephew Aiden of Dallas, Texas; her niece Jane Morgan (Steve), and grandnephews William and David of Chandler, Arizona.

To those who knew her, Aunt Betty was a quiet force of nature - brilliant, compassionate, and resolute. Her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering sense of duty enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was not only a devoted family member but also a loyal friend and an esteemed contributor to her field.

She graduated from Steubenville High School in 1947 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mount Union College in 1951 - achievements that set the foundation for a remarkable career.

Betty dedicated her professional life to scientific excellence, working as a senior scientist and chemist at Alcoa Laboratories in Alcoa Center, Pennsylvania. Her contributions to the field of chemistry earned her the recognition through numerous professional affiliations. She was an active member of the American Chemical Society, the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, and Sigma Xi. She was also honored as a member of Alcoa's 25-Year Club and the King's Daughters Society.

Upon retirement, Betty came home to Steubenville. A proud lifelong member of Zion United Church of Christ, Betty embodied the values of service and faith. She functioned many years on the church board as an officer and participated on several working church committees. Betty enjoyed picnic lunches on the church lawn, attended countless fish frys, spaghetti suppers, bake sales and holiday festivals in support of community causes. She enjoyed classes at the Y and events at Prime Time and at the Fort, looked forward to the Steubenville High School musical each year and the Greek festival in the summer, and cheered Big Red in the fall. She loved her hometown and gave back to make it better.

At her request, there will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's memory may be made to The Jefferson County Historical Association or Historic Fort Steuben.