Viola Sparks

Viola Haverland Sparks, 94, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, in a San Angelo care center. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles, Texas, followed by a committal at Miles Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, September 9, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Diane Eggemeyer will officiate.

Viola or Nuck as she was called by family was born on February 6, 1919, in Taylor to Fritz and Bertha (Schwanker) Haverland. The family moved to Rowena where her mother died when Viola was only six years old. At a later date her father married Anna Gaskamp and the family moved to a farm near Miles. In 1937 Viola graduated as salutatorian from Miles High School. She and Walter Wade (Dick) Sparks were married on November 17, 1940. Dick preceded her in death on February 14, 1990 after almost fifty years of happy married life. Viola was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church.

The joy of Viola’s life was her children and even when difficult challenges presented themselves she never shirked from that joyful duty. As she once said, “Raising four boys is hard work – especially when the fourth one is your husband.” Her sewing machine was her constant companion especially when she made shirts for all four boys and her own clothing, and also little dresses for her granddaughters.

Preceding Viola in her journey to heaven were her husband, parents, stepmother, infant son, Rodney Lynn, and her sister, Maurena Krueger.

Viola (Nuck, Mom, Grandma) is survived by three sons; Mitchel and wife Judy of San Antonio, Barry and wife Elaine of Friendswood, and Tommy and wife Cynthia of Fort Worth, and also two granddaughters, three step granddaughters, eight great grandchildren; brother, Carl Haverland of San Angelo, and sister, Pauline Nord of Miles; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff at Regency Nursing Home. Memorials may be made to the Miles Cemetery Association or Trinity Lutheran Church of Miles.