Leona Lorraine Sparks

1942-2026

With grateful hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Leona "Lee" Sparks, age 83, who passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Born on December 31, 1942, Leona "Lee" Sparks was the daughter of Kenneth and OnaLee Johnson and sister to Russell Johnson. She graduated from high school in 1960, the same year she was united in marriage to Gene Sparks.

Lee and Gene made their home in Boulder, Colorado where Lee built a successful career as a real estate agent. Together, they created a home where their four children were raised with unconditional love and strong family values. Later, they moved to Cortez, where Lee worked for many years as a travel agent before the couple eventually retired to Grand Junction. Lee and Gene shared 66 wonderful years of marriage built on love, laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion to each other and to their family.

Lee was truly the heart of her family. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. Whether someone stopped by for coffee, dinner, or simply needed a listening ear, Lee’s home and heart were always open. She will be remembered for her incredible cooking, her warm hugs, her beautiful smile, and the way she made every holiday and family gathering feel extra special.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents and her two sons, Jeff and Scott, whom she loved deeply. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Gene; her brother, Russell; her daughters, Kelli and Jennifer; her cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Colter, Abby, Rylan, Reece, Brecken, and Max; and her adored great-grandchildren, Mason, Ada, and Charlotte.

Lee’s kindness touched far more people than she likely ever realized. She had a gentle and compassionate spirit that made people feel understood, valued, and loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A service celebrating Lee’s life will be held on June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction, Colorado.

In honor of Lee’s caring spirit, the family asks that donations be made to The Food Bank of the Rockies, HopeWest Hospice or Grand Rivers Humane Society, three causes that reflect her compassion for both people and animals.