Frances J. "Fran" Sparks' Obituary
Frances J. “Fran” Sparks, age 84, passed away March 31, 2024, on Easter Sunday. She was born July 8, 1939, in Muskegon, Michigan to Floyd W. and Velma E. (Featherstone) Hippler. She married Arthur F. Sparks on October 27, 1962, in Spring Lake. Arthur preceded her in death on August 1, 2012.
Frances graduated from Fruitport High School in 1980. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Frances ran a day care center when her children were growing up. She worked for Prince Corporation as a machine operator for three years, Michigan Plastics for eight years and Tri-City Automotive for two years. Her hobbies were baking, cooking, gardening, fishing, and when younger, she enjoyed bowling. Fran’s favorite thing was watching her grandsons play soccer when they were kids. She enjoyed doing diamond art with the ladies at Robbinswood.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Sally (Kevin) Walsh, Garry (Kim) Sparks and Shari (Todd) Fredrickson; two stepchildren, Darlene Caldwell and Tom (Joan) Gardner; five grandchildren, Tyler Sparks, Colin Sparks, Thomas Gardner, Scott Gardner and Ricky Caldwell; five great grandchildren; her sister, Pat Decan; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four sisters: Virginia VanSyckle, Priscilla Hazlett, Phyllis Benes and Sara Gauthier; and her brother, Frank Hippler.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. R. Louis Stasker as celebrant. Friends may meet the family from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Service, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Trinity Health at Home - Grand Haven are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com
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