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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
Roylynn Von Hemel Obituary
She was born Jan. 30, 1942 in Lamar, Colorado to Clarence and Helen (Howell) Sparks. She attended school in Holly, Colorado, where she met her husband, Don Von Hemel.
They married Nov. 4, 1959 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. They raised their three children, Pam, Donnie and Kelly, in Manter, Kansas. Later, they made homes in Hot Springs and Omaha.
Roylynn was Don's partner as he trained thoroughbred race horses for six decades. They traveled to tracks throughout the U.S., particularly in Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, New Mexico and Colorado.
Roylynn never missed an opportunity to celebrate her loved ones or host her family and friends. She was an ever-present fixture at Ak-sar-ben and Oaklawn Park race tracks. Her sense of style stood out in every winner's circle.
She loved cooking, decorating, antiquing and working in her yard. She also loved all animals, especially her Jack Russell Terriers.
Her unique flair for life left a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
Roylynn is survived by her husband, Don; her children and their spouses: Pam and Doug Young, Donnie and Robin Von Hemel and Kelly and Pam Von Hemel; her six grandchildren and their spouses: Kyle Young, Kelsey Von Hemel, Molly and Everton Bailey Jr., Kylie and Jordon Gonzalez, Kelby Von Hemel and Tess Von Hemel; and three great grandchildren: Khloe Von Hemel and Theo and Miles Gonzalez. She is also survived by her brother Bill Sparks, brother-in-law Ross Von Hemel, as well as many other special friends and relatives.
Roylynn was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Jean (Mangan) Lightner and Joyce (Mangan) Hartshorn; brother Duane Sparks; niece Tina (Hartshorn) Seybert; and nephews Billy Joe Sparks and David Lightner.
Her family would like to thank the wonderful team of caregivers who helped love and care for Roylynn in her final years. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Roylynn, please consider the Alzheimer's Association.
A celebration of Roylynn's life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roylynn Von Hemel
Cindy Loggins
September 2, 2023
Prayers for the family!!
Danele Durham
August 25, 2023
My deepest condolences.
Kathy & Michael Rose
August 23, 2023
We are so sorry to hear our condolence to family. Roylynn was our neighbor always a joy seeing her always in her yard with much beauty. We always loved seeing her and Mr. Don at the races Roylynn will be so missed you will always be in our hearts.
Prayers to Von Hemel family.
Kathy and Michael Rose
Kate Landers
August 23, 2023
She was a beautiful woman. She will be missed.
Bill and Cindy Conyers
August 22, 2023
Prayers and hugs for all.
Debbie A. Johnson
August 22, 2023
I offer my condolences and prayers for all the family members and friends at this time of sadness.
Alan Lawrence
August 22, 2023
I'm deeply sad to hear about her passing and my heart goes out to all of the surviving family. I've been around them so long I feel like I've lost part of my family. Prayers go out for all of the family .
Judy mathis nordyke
August 22, 2023
So sorry to here this. I will remember her well! Love, peace and comfort for all!
Ted Thompson
August 22, 2023
So sorry to hear this y´all but know she is in a better place now.
Bruce Bradshaw
August 22, 2023
May God Bless her and the family.
Bruce and Donna Bradshaw
Ann Hendrix
August 22, 2023
I always loved seeing Roylynn. She was funny, sassy and kind. She will be missed by many.
Marilyn and Dan Hendrix
August 22, 2023
We send our sincere condolences to Don and family. Roylynn fought a long difficult battle but is well now.
Prayers for peace during this time of sorrow.
Diana (Wells) Belik
August 22, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. She was an awesome lady. May all of your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Tom Jackson
August 22, 2023
Great Lady!! Great Family!!
Kathy Klein Webber
August 22, 2023
The whole Klein family expresses our deepest condolences to the Avon Hemel family. May she rest in peace and May your fond memories carry you through this most difficult time!
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Memorial Events
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