Ralph Eugene Sparks, Jr. was born on June 24, 1943 in Okmulgee, OK to Ralph E. Sparks, Sr. and Josephine Sparks. He peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 5:56 am surrounded by his family.
Judy Sparks was born on March 18, 1946 in Cleveland, OK to Granville Barker and Edna May Allred. After being moved out of the memory care facility on Thursday, she peacefully passed away at home on Friday, November 27, 2020 at 7:11 pm surrounded by her family.
Ralph and Judy both graduated from Edmond High School, but three years apart. Ralph continued his education at Central State University in Edmond, OK, graduating in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Judy completed two years at Central State University.
Ralph met Judy when he was 17 and she was 14. They lived across the street from each other and their first date was a coke date. They got married on August 7, 1964. Their first son, William (Bill), was born in 1969 and their second son, John, was born in 1974. Judy often said, “My life really began with you boys.”
Ralph briefly taught elementary school before working for and retiring from OG&E as a District Manager at the age of 50. At a very young age Judy was an author and artist, winning numerous contests. She had various jobs including office assistant, dog groomer, realtor. Being a natural entrepreneur, she was self-employed in over 13 businesses. In 1987, she started Country Fancy, a company in which she created artwork and verse for greeting cards and framed gifts. She said her family influenced her writing and artwork. Ralph was the quiet and consistent strength behind everything and because of him, Judy was able to pursue her dreams of owning her own business and selling her art. Throughout their lives they both maintained their real estate broker licensing, purchased, and managed several real estate properties. They both had a great work ethic and loved to work, whether it was trimming trees, building a birdhouse for the grandkids, making a deal, sewing outfits, making coconut cream pies, or creating a new product to sell. Ralph often said to “stay vertical” and he would keep on working. Judy never sat down. She was always taking care of everyone else.
One of their favorite things to do together was going to garage sales. Ralph loved the thrill of the deal. Judy loved finding things to help her be better organized. They both enjoyed music and dancing, especially to Elvis Presley songs. As a young couple, they won several dance contests. Ralph liked fishing, hunting, watching Clint Eastwood movies, going out for breakfast, and helping his family. He was a great sacrificial provider who lead by example. Judy liked using her many talents to create things that would help others or touch their life in some way. She delighted in giving her cards or artwork to others to thank them or just to see them smile. She loved all flavors of ice cream, running her own business, and helping her family. She loved through service and always did what she could to make her family shine.
The Sparks Family had lots of laughs too. They liked playing jokes on one another, like wrapping up the tv remote as Ralph’s Christmas present. They often jumped out and scared each other. One time they decided they wanted to make a video and send it to Judy’s mother and brother, Cliff. Ralph dressed up in a wig with long hair and sang and danced. They said it was “Woolie Nelson.” Judy’s sister got frustrated and said it wasn’t Willie Nelson. Judy’s mom insisted and said “By God, that is Willie Nelson over there!” They went back and forth arguing about it while Ralph just laughed and laughed.
The boys fondly remember having “big country breakfasts” on the weekends which always included fried eggs, bacon or sausage, homemade biscuits, and chocolate gravy. Over the last 5 years, Ralph and Judy could usually be found at mealtime at a few places…McAlister’s Deli or Chick-fil-a. Because they were there so often, they formed relationships with the employees. These two places have become meeting locations for the Sparks family. This tradition will continue on in their honor.
Of all the many hats they wore, the most important role was as Dad and Mom to Bill and John and Bop and Nanny to their grandchildren. Everything they did and every decision they made reflected their desire to be better and do better for the next generation. When asked what they wanted to teach their boys, Judy answered, “Teach them how to love someone deeply and completely.” Ralph answered, “Teach them how to love by taking care of protecting them.” Near the end of his life, Ralph was asked what he wanted to tell his boys and he simply said, “Love ‘em.” Also, Bill asked him how to successfully raise his kids and Ralph simply said, “Love ‘em.” They gave their time, energy, heart, soul, talent, drive, and love to Bill and John…they gave it all.
After 56 years of marriage, Ralph was still taking care of Judy and leading the way by going to heaven before her to check the place out. They were a team and always together, even when life was difficult. They blazed their own trail & were running against the wind. They created an amazing legacy and will both be greatly missed. The family rejoices because they are now dancing together in heaven!
Ralph & Judy are survived by their two sons and their wives, Bill & Donna, and John & Julie; their four grandchildren: Katie, Brad, Jana, and Josie, who all affectionately called them Nanny & Bop. Their children and grandchildren are the proud products of Ralph & Judy’s choices and sacrifices. Additionally, they are survived by Ralph’s sister, Judy Kaye Lewis; Ralph’s brother, Rick Sparks & his wife Shirley; Judy’s brother & wife, Russell & Laoma Barker; and several nieces and nephews.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Myrna Oliver; and brother, Gary Sparks. Judy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Pauline Weese; and brothers, Clarence Barker and Cliff Barker.
A visitation with family (closed casket) is Wednesday, December 2nd from 5-7 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Oklahoma City, OK.
A private Celebration of Life for Ralph and Judy will be held on at Heritage Fellowship located at 329 W. Edmond Rd., Edmond, OK. This is the same church where Judy grew up and where Ralph & Judy got married. Their love story continues…
v.1.1.4