SPARKS, Linda Lou

Linda Lou Sparks, born July 25, 1940 in Lucasville, Ohio, passed away on May 7, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona, with family by her side. She is survived by her second husband, Gary Sparks; mother, Betty Merritt; mother-in-law, Effie Sparks Helberg; sisters, Janie Cremeans, Dixie Wolfe, Peggy Strickland, Cindy Thompson and Amy Mains; children, Kenneth (Lisa), Melinda (Steve) Merrigan, Kevin (Esbeydy) and Barry (Alessandra); and grandchildren, Lindsay, Sarah, Taylor, Rylan, Shane, Dylan, Isabella and Serena. Linda is preceded in death by her father, John Merritt, and husband, the love of her life for 42 years, Gerald "Butch" Sparks. Linda loved to be with friends and family and had passions for gardening, baking and music. She will be missed and loved continually by all whose lives she touched. Services to be held Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at ADAIR - Dodge Chapel, 1050 N. Dodge Blvd., with visitation from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. and services immediately following. Interment will follow at All Faiths Cemetery 2151 S. Avenida Los Reyes. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Linda's name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure 1-877-465-6636. Published in the Tucson Newspapers on May 10, 2010