Ola Gwen Sparks

Ola Gwen Sparks, 91, of Palestine, IL, died peacefully on October 12, 2023, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family. Born on March 27, 1932, in Graymont, IL, she grew up in the Palestine area, where she was active in numerous groups, from Y-Teens and Future Homemakers of America to the Girl Reserves and Gingham Girls. Her love of music prompted her to pick up the French horn, which she played throughout her tenure at Palestine Grade School and Palestine High School before graduating on May 27, 1949. The very next day, May 28, 1949, she married the love of her life, Willis Sparks. She was not only a devoted partner in life but also in business, as she eventually began assisting with bookkeeping at Sparks Motors, the family business. Before that, she had worked for a number of other local companies, from the Bobby Pin Factory and Buchanan's to the Index.

Her life was adorned with many interests that she pursued with vigor and enthusiasm. An avid bird watcher, she especially loved watching her hummingbirds make their way to her feeder. She would take flight herself in her husband Willis' N6646A and her son Tom's N35278 aircraft. Back on the ground, she enjoyed the thrill of fishing in Minnesota and especially in Canada, where she once reeled in a 45-inch Northern Pike a couple of years after her husband died. Willis would have been proud...and likely a little jealous! Ever the adventurous spirit, she cherished every opportunity to travel to destinations like Las Vegas and Florida with her sister and sisters-in-law.

Back home, Ola Gwen was an active member of several local organizations, including the Southeast LaMotte Home Extension, Current Topics, Vincennes Eagles Auxiliary #384, Elks Ladies Auxiliary #1188, and she was also a "pink lady" with the Crawford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. A guiding force in her community, she held many positions of authority at different points in her life, including those of Boy Scout leader, Campfire Girl leader, and Sunday school teacher. But the most treasured roles of her life were those of wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was the greatest joy of her life, as evidenced by innumerable family outings to Holiday World, Kings Island, and the Air Force Museum. Her love was also tangibly expressed in her wonderful baking. In short, filling her loved ones up filled her up! But that was just Ola Gwen, always thinking of others before herself. This generosity of spirit was no doubt born out of her saving faith in Jesus, who wrapped his arms around her on Thursday and welcomed her home.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, Willis Sparks, and her parents, Samuel & Opal (Arterburn) Wakefield. As the last surviving member of the Wakefield siblings, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Wakefield (in infancy), Jack Wakefield, Duane Wakefield, and Bob Wakefield, and her sisters, Mildred White and Helen Jean Smith. Her sisters-in-law and travel companions, Jaquelyn Wakefield and Shirley Wakefield, predeceased her, as did her grandson, Thomas Jason "TJ" Sparks. Despite her losses, Ola Gwen continued to find joy in life, finding loving companionship with Charlie Patton in her later years, and he survives. She is also survived by her children, Debbie & husband Bruce Fulling, and Tom & wife Nona Sparks, as well as her grandchildren, Lisa Sparks, Amanda Christy, Tina & Darren Joiner, LeeAnne & Josh Monday, Jeffrey & Ashley Sparks, Kaycee & Eric Walker, Lance & Chelsea Fulling, and Jay & Tina Kennedy. Her lineage proudly extends to seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Dennis Steckley and Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either the "Crawford County Humane Society" or "Shriners Hospitals for Children". Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.