Velma Sparks, 94, of Montezuma passed away peace-fully Saturday mor-ning, July 23, 2016, at Montezuma Spe-cialty Care. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 27, at Lynnville Friends Church. Burial was in the Woodland Cemetery in Lynnville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lynnville Historical Society or Montezuma Specialty Care.
Velma Irene Sparks, the daughter of Harold and Charolette (Groves) Ratcliff, was born Apr. 3, 1922, on the family farm near New Sharon. She graduated from Lynnville High School in 1940 and spoke fondly of playing in the state basketball tournament and a class play where she portrayed the "Woman in the Moon." Sept. 22, 1941, Velma was united in marriage to Floyd K. Sparks in Lancaster, MO. To this union, two daughters were born, Shirley and Kay. Velma and Floyd lived beside and farmed with Lloyd and Alice Sparks for 57 years before health issues required them to move to Montezuma in 1999. Floyd and Lloyd were twin brothers and Velma and Alice were sisters. While living in Lynnville, they were faithful members of Lynnville Friends Church, where she taught Sunday School for several years and was a choir member. She loved to sing, even at the nursing home. Other than her faith, family was very important to her. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and would ride the Amtrak to Illinois to spend time with Shirley and her family. When Kay's children would need a sitter, she was always glad to fulfill that role. She followed most of their sporting events and spent many evenings cheering them on. She worked several years at Friendship Manor in Grinnell, and after her shift ended, she would spend hours visiting residents. She enjoyed cooking and often would host Sunday dinners after church. She was a caring and nurturing individual who was willing to lend a hand to many. Later in life, she enjoyed watching major league baseball, usually supporting the St. Louis Cardinals, but she had a few favorite players on other teams as well.
Survivors are her daughters, Shirley Streight of Galesburg, IL, and Kay (Craig) Latcham of Montezuma; five grandchildren, Jeremy and Brooke Streight of Galesburg, IL, Krista and Richard Tran of Kankankee, IL, Corey Latcham and Jen Hawkins of Grinnell, Chad Latcham of Montezuma, and Courtney and DJ Sutfin of Ft. Leonardwood, MO; five great-grandchildren, Kayla Streight, Zechariah Tran, Brylee Latcham, Declan Sutfin, and Walker Sutfin; her siblings, Alice Sparks and Melvin (Marcile) Ratcliff; a brother-in-law, Clair Fenner; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other friends and relatives.
Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Michael Streight; and siblings, Doris Fenner, Neva Klyn, Rayford Ratcliff, and Vera Beason.
