Shirley E Sparks

Shirley Evelyn Kupke Sparks was born on December 23, 1935 at her family’s home in Murdock, Nebraska. She passed peacefully on December 9, 2021 at the age of 85. She spent her early years on the family farm with her parents Lena and Herman Kupke and older sister Laverne. Following her high school graduation from Murdock High School, the family relocated to Greeley, Colorado. Shortly after, she attended 1 year at Colorado State Teachers College, Greeley, before pursuing her true calling in nursing. She earned her RN from Denver University School of Nursing at Presbyterian Hospital, Denver, Colorado in 1957.

She married Raymond Sparks on June 8, 1958. They were married for 53 years before his passing in 2013. Her husband’s 20-year career in the Air Force took them on many adventures and new cities to explore and call home. While stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, they welcomed a daughter, Cynthia Marie. Shortly after Cindy was born, Ray was deployed overseas. Shirley raised her young daughter while continuing her work as an ER nurse. Three years later and newly stationed in Rapid City, South Dakota, they welcomed their son Michael Ray. In 1972 Ray retired from the Air Force and moved the family to Winfield, Kansas to complete his studies at St Johns and Southwestern University. Shirley once again continued her nursing career as the college nurse at Southwestern University. Following Ray’s graduation, the family made their final move to Plano, Texas. With this final move, Shirley also made a slight shift in her career and decided to join a growing OB/GYN Practice. She spent the last leg of her career building relationships with her patients. She was also able to witness the births of both of her granddaughters.

She loved her church family and loved singing in the choir. One of the highlights of her life was to travel with her choir singing for church congregations throughout Europe. She loved the “Sound of Music” and was especially enamored visiting and singing in Switzerland. A caregiver at heart, she was passionate about taking care of others. She served on many local missions as well as completing 5 remote mission trips. She travelled 3 times to the Bering Sea of Alaska to provide nursing as well as teach VBS. She made 2 trips to the Guatemala City dump fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a nurse in a 3rd world country. She also served her church community as a Stephen Minister. After retiring, she continued to fill her days by serving others. Whether she was dropping off a meal or freshly baked cookies to a sick friend or taking a copy of the weekly sermon to a home bound church member, serving others was always her priority.

Shirley had a deep faith and relationship with Christ. She loved the Lord and Christ lived through her. She was kind, loving, compassionate and gentle. She was quick to forgive and never hesitated to say, “I’m sorry”. She truly left this world a better place.

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' Isaiah 41:13 NKJV

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Lena and Herman Kupke, sister, Laverne Bates, and husband Raymond Sparks.

Her legacy will live on through her daughter, Cindy Sparks, son Michael Sparks and wife Michelle Sparks, and her two granddaughters Brittany and Haley Sparks.

-A visitation is set for Tuesday December 14, 6-8 pm at Ted Dickeys Funeral Home 2128 18th St, Plano, TX 75074

-She will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211 on Wednesday December 22 at 2:00 pm.

-A memorial service at her church will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her honor to Lord of Life Lutheran Church/ Plano Missions -3601 W 15th St, Plano, TX 75075.