Jacquelyn (Jackie) Sparks, 58, daughter of Melva and Mavin Sparks of Bennington, Idaho passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at her home in Santa Fe , New Mexico. She was born September 2, 1951.
Jackie spent her first 5 grades in school at the Bennington School. For her, Junior High School and High School were in Montpelier. Jackie graduated from Bear Lake High School in 1969. She was always a very good student. The summer of her graduation, Jackie went to Jackson, Wyoming for summer employment. In the fall, Jackie attended college at BYU in Provo, Utah. During her college years, she spent some of her summers working at a girl’s camp in eastern Utah. She was a counselor and friend to the girls. Jackie graduated from BYU in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Jackie taught school in Guernsey, Wyoming and Salt Lake City, Utah. She then moved to Jackson, Wyoming where she was employed as a manager in a local photo lab. Eventually, Jackie met her life-long companion and friend, Dorothy Holland. They traveled together to such places as Turkey, Germany and Alaska. Eventually the cold winters of Wyoming got to Jackie and she wanted to move to a warmer climate. She and Dorothy chose New Mexico. In New Mexico, Jackie worked for the New Mexico Board of Health where she associated on a daily basis with professionals in the medical field. As Jackie’s illness progressed, her co-workers thought so much of her that they donated many, many hours of their time to Jackie so she could be on medical leave for her treatments, but still be employed.
Jackie had a vibrant personality and a zest for life that drew others to her. She was a talented artist. For many years, Jackie and Dorothy would send out calendars with Jackie’s artwork printed on it to each of their family members at the beginning of each New Year. The calendars were a highlight for the family members to receive.
Jackie is survived by Dorothy, Santa Fe, NM., Ruth Holland, Dorothy’s Mom, Melva Sparks - Mom, of Bennington, sisters; Lyona (Don) Burdick, Bennington, ID., Leola (Clint) Wagner, Bennington , ID. , Tana Rae (Bill) Hayes, Villa Grove , Illinois , and her brother; Lawrence (Lisa) Sparks, Hyrum UT. , and many nieces and nephews. Jackie was well-loved by friends and family and shall be greatly missed!
The funeral for Jackie Sparks will be held on Saturday September 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bennington Ward Meetinghouse. There will be a visitation prior to the services from10:00 to 10:45 A.M. Interment will be in the Bennington Idaho Cemetery directly following the funeral.