Sparks, Bonnie E. (Roland) 1918-2009

SPARKS, ROLAND, HEGWOOD

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 19:02:41

Bonnie Eldora Sparks was born on December 1, 1918 in Knoxville, Iowa. She was one of five children born to Rosa Pearl Hegwood and Benton Andrew Roland. Bonnie attended school in Knoxville; graduating from 8th grade at Nora Sullivan School.

On June 13, 1935 Bonnie was united in marriage to Jonas Leroy Sparks. To this union three children were born.

Bonnie was a charter member of the Knoxville Apostolic Church with over 70 years in attendance. Church was a large part of Bonnie’s life. She volunteered as an assistant for the Sunday School and always helped with the church cooking. For several years she worked with other church ladies in cooking at the Hilltop Sale Barn in Knoxville. Bonnie faithfully read her Bible daily. In the front of her Bible she wrote “I am proud to be an American.” While the children were growing up. Bonnie did ironing for various people. When Bonnie had free time she enjoyed crocheting and sewing. Many family members have afghans made by Bonnie. Family was always a top priority with Bonnie. Until the last few years she always remembered the names of the great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Bonnie Eldora Sparks passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at the Westridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 90 years, 3 months and 17 days.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, one sister and two brothers.

Those left to mourn her passing are three children and their spouses, Jerry and Norma Sparks of Marysville, Lee and Linda Sparks of Knoxville and Chris and Stan Finken of Knoxville; one sister, Marian Allen of Knoxville; nine grandchildren, Rosie Thomas, Charlie (Brenda) Sparks, Terry (Stephanie) Sparks, Mike (Karin) Sparks, Randy (Millie) Sparks, Rhonda (Kip) Hammonds, Danny (Mindy) Sparks, Andy (Kristy) Houser and Bonnie Finken; 22 great-grandchildren, Dena (Bob) Moen, Heather (Brian) Deney, Alicia Gruebel, Holly (James) Beck, Charlie Ann (Dan) Terborg, Josh Wolett, Krista Sayer, Myknzie, Madison, and Autumn Houser, Denny (Nicole) Deaver, Jessica (Austin) Clark, Jamie and Jared Daniels, Isiah Washington, Jason, Danielle, Nicole, Daniel Jr. Sammantha, Emily, and Jamison Sparks; twenty-two great-great-grandchildren, Taylor, Tristen, Dalton, Rilea, Landon, Jacob, Jonas, Ethan, Allison, Alexis, Trevon, Kaiden, Katie, Heather, Tyler, Loren, Jaden, Lilly, Payton, Kira, Katie, and Kael.

A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, March 23, 2009 at the Knoxville Apostolic Church with Pastor Charles Rutter officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Marion County, Iowa.

Musical selections were “I’ll Fly Away,” “In The Garden”, and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Bonnie Finken was the vocalist. Stan Finken and Janice Rutter were the accompanists. Casket bearers were Charles, Terry, Mike and Randy Sparks, Andrew Houser and Dennis Deaver. Honorary casket bearers were Danny and Jason Sparks, Joshua Wolett, Jamie and Jared Daniels.

Williams Funeral Home March 22, 2009