Barbara "Barb" Ann Sparks

She was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on December 15, 1949, to Wayne and Marguerite Sparks.

Barb spent her childhood and early adulthood in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Economics from Portland State University in 1989. Barb had a passion for her specialty in non-profit accounting. She worked tirelessly for various non-profit agencies, culminating her career as Vice President of Finance at Girl Scouts of Western Washington in 2014.

She began her life with Elaine Pappas in Portland in 1981. They moved to Seattle, Washington ten years later where Barb supported Elaine's return to school. Their beloved daughter, Haleigh, joined the family at the age of one in January of 1997. Barb and Elaine were officially married on August 27, 2008.

Barb was known for her intellect, love of children, big warm hugs and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved the theater, crossword puzzles, hummingbirds and all other creatures great and small. Her hobbies included collecting music albums, postage stamps, coins and model cars. Her favorite vacation destinations were the beaches of the Washington coast, where she enjoyed many spectacular sunsets and Scrabble games. She was a generous soul whose favorite charities included St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission and the ASPCA.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Sparks, and her brother Jeffery Sparks. She was survived by her mother Marguerite Sparks who sadly passed away four days after her own passing. She is also survived by her life partner & spouse of 42 years, Elaine, daughter Haleigh, sister Jeri, brother Joseph, nieces Teresa, Denise and Rebecca, nephews Travis and Nathan, and her cat Bella. Barb will be deeply missed and will remain forever in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held for Barb on October 13th at 1pm at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at washelli.com