Kay Marie Sparks, the widow of Ralph L. Sparks, passed away on November 2nd, in her Waco home.
Born to Violette May and David Kayle Phillips, Kay moved with her parents and two siblings to Waco from Akron, Ohio in 1946 at the age of 3 when her father was transferred to General Tire and Rubber Co.
Kay committed to her Christian faith at an early age, attending Austin Avenue Methodist Church as a youth and being a part of the Methodist Youth Fellowship. She briefly attended both Baylor University and the University of Texas at Austin, pledging Delta Zeta, and studying Business Administration. She left college to care for her father after the passing of her mother.
In 1965, Kay embarked on a distinguished career in the insurance industry, dedicating over 40 years to the field. She advanced steadily, ultimately achieving the position of Claims Manager. Throughout her career, she worked for several companies, including Philadelphia American Life Insurance Company, American Amicable Life Insurance Company, and General American Life Insurance Company. Her professional journey is a testament to her commitment and leadership in the industry.
Her heart for service shone brightly through her unwavering dedication to numerous organizations, where she consistently demonstrated compassion, commitment, and selflessness. As a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority (Laureate Gamma Epsilon chapter), she served on various committees and as vice president of the chapter. Kay was recognized as the Sweetheart of the sorority, received the Order of the Rose, and the Silver Circle Award for 25 years of service. She was also an active and passionate member of the McLennan County Republican Women. Following her enthusiasm for bowling, Kay was an active member of the Women’s Majors Bowling League, serving as vice president during her time. As a graduate of Waco High School Class of 1960, Kay attended and helped to organize numerous reunions.
She was an enthusiastic encourager and a faithful supporter of her husband’s musical pursuits, always present at Ralph’s performances, assisting with CD sales, signings, tickets, and more.
Known affectionately as “the cat lady” by those who loved her, Kay’s enduring love for animals was evident, especially in the numerous cats she lovingly took in and cared for over the years.
Kay married at the tender age of 19 and, in 1965, found herself a single mother with two young children, Stephen and Shelly Frierson. Demonstrating unwavering determination and boundless love for her children, Kay bravely moved to Dallas, embarking on a professional career in the insurance industry to provide for her family. Her strength and resilience during these challenging times were a testament to her profound devotion as a mother.
In 1980, she married Ralph Sparks and relocated back to her hometown of Waco. After dating in high school and then losing touch, they reconnected years later, discovering that their true love had been waiting for them all along. After marrying, they blended their families, bringing their combined seven children together and creating a family filled with new bonds and shared experiences. They joined the First Woodway Baptist Church in 1980, finding a faith home and decades of friendship and support.
Kay is survived by her seven children: Stephen Hall Frierson (and spouse Tara) of Ruidoso, NM; Shelly Rustanne Frierson of Waco; Lauri Ann Sparks Luedeker (and spouse William “Buddy”) of Waco; Teri Lynn Sparks McGuill (and spouse David) of Fort Worth; Kevin Christopher Sparks (and spouse Melodi) of Lorena; Jamie Lee Sparks (and spouse Missy) of Robinson; and Timothy Howard Sparks. Together, they have fourteen grandchildren: Jeremy Luedeker, Aaron Luedeker, Brendan Luedeker, Charles McGuill, Madison Sparks, Zoe Sparks, Justin Hall, Casey Hall, Tyler Sparks, Jeremy Archibeque, Luke Archibeque, Jordan Frierson Reynolds, Kayle Frierson, and Hayden Frierson; and eighteen great-grandchildren, with one on the way. She is also survived by her stepsister Diedre Coffell, stepbrother William Oswald and numerous nephews and nieces.
She is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Sparks, her parents David and Violette Phillips, her stepmother Anita Phillips-Huggins, sister Carol Johannsen, her brother David Phillips, and her grandson Brendan Luedeker.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to friends and family who provided love and support to Kay and Ralph through meals, cards, visits, and calls during their time of need.
Visitation for Kay and Ralph will be held on Thursday, November 14th, from 3-7 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. Services for Kay and Ralph will take place on Friday, November 15th, at 1 p.m. at First Woodway Baptist Church, followed by interment at 3:30 p.m. at Waco Memorial Park. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will include their sons, grandsons, and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Road, Waco, TX 76708, or to the charity of your choice in Kay’s memory. Kay Sparks will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her life was a testament to her heart of service, unwavering commitment to her Christian faith, and love for her family and friends.
Pictures of Kay at Reunions and other gatherings.
Ralph Sparks preceeded Kay in death by less than two weeks. Here is his obit.
“I am shocked and will miss both Kay and Ralph as I am sure their families will. However, I know where both of them went and that they are happier than ever. Hopefully, I will get to see them again someday. I am also glad that Kay does not have to find out what it is like to learn how to live without Ralph by her side. It would have been a trying journey.”
My love to all, Betty Luedeker Gatlin
“Kay was such a sweet person. I’m sure she couldn’t bear to be away from Ralph and the Lord granted her wish. They are together again. I will be praying for both Kay and Ralph’s families.”
Debbie Holland Ryan -RHS 1972
“This is a real shock—I am so sorry, but grief affects all differently, and she and Ralph are reunited.”
Clara Sue Griffis Arnsdorff
“I agree, what a shock about Kay Sparks! I’m sure her heart was broken over Ralph. So glad you and Kay spent some time together. Hope Kay and Ralph can have their services together. Sympathies and prayers for family.”
Bev Murphy Wells
“Kay will be missed. I remember our sixth-grade year when I had a crush on Kay but she had eyes elsewhere. We remained friends all these years. Glad I was able to see her at the luncheon one last time.”
Robert Wilson
“Thank you so much, Jeanne, for the update. It is definitely information resulting in mixed feelings…
Sadness that Kay is gone…but, Happiness that she and Ralph are together again.
I will be praying for both families.”
Sherry Robertson Nunn
“This is surreal! I’m so saddened and shocked. I will keep their families in my prayers.”
Phyllis Tadlock Wieser- WHS1962
“That is so sad for the families to lose both so close together. As you said, they
are together again, but tough on those left behind.
Ralph and I took piano lessons from the same teacher as children. We played some duets together. Obviously, the teacher does not make the student a virtuoso;;;;;;that comes from within.”
Bonnie Burson Chapman
“This process of aging and the loss of dear friends is so difficult. Our hearts are broken but we know they are in a much better place and we will see them again. Praying for the Sparks family.”
Louann Hilton Brady
“Kay was a great friend to me and to so many other people. She was kind and sweet and enjoyed a good laugh. She was a good student in high school and college. I will miss phone calls with her and her sweet smile.”
Tim Lasseter Latta